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LCMS By Martin Luther

Contents: Introduction

Preface The Ten Commandments The Apostles’ Creed The Our Father Baptism The Sacrament

The Ten Commandments

First Commandment Second Commandment Third Commandment Fourth Commandment Fifth Commandment Sixth Commandment Seventh Commandment Eighth Commandment Ninth/Tenth Commandment Conclusion

The Creed

The First Article The Second Article The Third Article

The Our Father

The First Petition The Second Petition The Third Petition The Fourth Petition The Fifth Petition The Sixth Petition The Seventh, Last, Petition

Baptism

Infant Baptism

The Large Catechism

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The Sacrament of the Altar

Introduction AChristian,Profitable,andNecessaryPreface,andFaithful,EarnestExhortationofDr.MartinLuthertoAllChristians,butEspeciallytoAllPastorsandPreachers,thatTheyShouldDailyExerciseThemselvesintheCatechism,whichisaShortSummaryand,EpitomeoftheEntireHolyScriptures,andthatTheyMayAlwaysTeachtheSame.1]WehavenoslightreasonsfortreatingtheCatechismsoconstantly[insermons]andforbothdesiringandbeseechingotherstoteachit,sinceweseetooursorrowthatmanypastorsandpreachersareverynegligentinthis,andslightboththeirofficeandthisteaching;somefromgreatandhighart(givingtheirmind,astheyimagine,tomuchhighermatters],butothersfromsheerlazinessandcarefortheirpaunches,assumingnootherrelationtothisbusinessthaniftheywerepastorsandpreachers,fortheirbellies'sake,andhadnothingtodobut,to[spendand]consumetheiremolumentsaslongastheylive,astheyhavebeenaccustomedtodounderthePapacy.2]Andalthoughtheyhavenoweverythingthattheyaretopreachandteachplacedbeforethemsoabundantly,clearly,andeasily,insomany[excellentand]helpfulbooks,andthetrueSermonesperseloquentes,Dormisecure,ParatosetThesauros,astheywerecalledinformertimes;yettheyarenotsogodlyandhonestastobuythesebooks,orevenwhentheyhavethem,tolookatthemorreadthem.Alas!theyarealtogethershamefulgluttonsandservantsoftheirownbellieswhooughttobemoreproperlyswineherdsanddog‐tendersthancare‐takersofsoulsandpastors.3]AndnowthattheyaredeliveredfromtheunprofitableandburdensomebabblingoftheSevenCanonicalHours,oh,that,insteadthereof,theywouldonly,morning,noon,andevening,readapageortwointheCatechism,thePrayer‐book,theNewTestament,orelsewhereintheBible,andpraytheLord'sPrayerforthemselvesandtheirparishioners,sothattheymightrender,inreturn,honorandthankstotheGospel,bywhichtheyhavebeendeliveredfromburdensandtroublessomanifold,andmightfeelalittleshamebecauselikepigsanddogstheyretainnomoreoftheGospelthansuchalazy,pernicious,shameful,carnalliberty!4]For,alas!asitis,thecommonpeopleregardtheGospelaltogethertoolightly,andweaccomplishnothingextraordinaryeventhoughweusealldiligence.What,then,willbeachievedifweshallbenegligentandlazyaswewereunderthePapacy?5]Tothisthereisaddedtheshamefulviceandsecretinfectionofsecurityandsatiety,thatis,thatmanyregardtheCatechismasapoor,meanteaching,whichtheycanreadthroughatonetime,andthenimmediatelyknowit,throwthebookintoacorner,andbeashamed,asitwere,toreadinitagain.6]Yea,evenamongthenobilitytheremaybefoundsomeloutsandscrimps,whodeclarethatthereisnolongeranyneedeitherofpastorsorpreachers;thatwehaveeverythinginbooks,andeveryonecaneasilylearnitbyhimself;andsotheyarecontenttolettheparishesdecayandbecomedesolate,andpastorsandpreacherstosufferdistressand

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hungeraplenty,justasitbecomescrazyGermanstodo.ForweGermanshavesuchdisgracefulpeople,andmustendurethem.7]ButformyselfIsaythis:Iamalsoadoctorandpreacher,yea,aslearnedandexperiencedasallthosemaybewhohavesuchpresumptionandsecurity;yetIdoasachildwhoisbeingtaughttheCatechism,andevermorning,andwheneverIhavetime,Ireadandsay,wordforword,theTenCommandments,theCreed,theLord'sPrayer,thePsalms,etc.AndImuststillreadandstudydaily,andyetIcannotmasteritasIwish,8]butmustremainachildandpupiloftheCatechism,andamgladsotoremain.Andyetthesedelicate,fastidiousfellowswouldwithonereadingpromptlybedoctorsabovealldoctors,knoweverythingandbeinneedofnothing.Well,this,too,isindeedasuresignthattheydespiseboththeirofficeandthesoulsofthepeople,yea,evenGodandHisWord.Theydonothavetofall,theyarealreadyfallenalltoohorribly;theywouldneedtobecomechildren,andbegintolearntheiralphabet,whichtheyimaginethattheyhavelongsinceoutgrown.9]ThereforeIbegsuchlazypaunchesorpresumptuoussaintstobepersuadedandbelieveforGod'ssakethattheyareverily,verily!notsolearnedorsuchgreatdoctorsastheyimagine;andnevertopresumethattheyhavefinishedlearningthis[thepartsoftheCatechism],orknowitwellenoughinallpoints,eventhoughtheythinkthattheyknowiteversowell.Forthoughtheyshouldknowandunderstanditperfectly(which,however,isimpossibleinthislife),yettherearemanifoldbenefitsandfruitsstilltobeobtained,ifitbedailyreadandpractisedinthoughtandspeech;namely,thattheHolyGhostispresentinsuchreadingandrepetitionandmeditation,andbestowsevernewandmorelightanddevoutness,sothatitisdailyrelishedandappreciatedbetter,asChristpromises,Matt.18,20:WheretwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinMyname,thereamIinthemidstofthem.10]Besides,itisanexceedinglyeffectualhelpagainstthedevil,theworld,andthefleshandallevilthoughtstobeoccupiedwiththeWordofGod,andtospeakofit,andmeditateuponit,sothattheFirstPsalmdeclaresthoseblessedwhomeditateupontheLawofGoddayandnight.Undoubtedly,youwillnotstartastrongerincenseorotherfumigationagainstthedevilthanbybeingengageduponGod'scommandmentsandwords,andspeaking,singing,orthinkingofthem.Forthisisindeedthetrueholywaterandholysignfromwhichheflees,andbywhichhemaybedrivenaway.11]Now,forthisreasonaloneyououghtgladlytoread,speak,thinkandtreatofthesethings,ifyouhadnootherprofitandfruitfromthemthanthatbydoingsoyoucandriveawaythedevilandevilthoughts.ForhecannothearorendureGod'sWord;andGod'sWordisnotlikesomeothersillyprattle,asthataboutDietrichofBerne,etc.,butasSt.Paulsays,Rom.1,16,thepowerofGod.Yea,indeed,thepowerofGodwhichgivesthedevilburningpain,andstrengthens,comforts,andhelpsusbeyondmeasure.12]Andwhatneedisthereofmanywords?IfIweretorecountalltheprofitandfruitwhichGod'sWordproduces,whencewouldIgetenoughpaperandtime?Thedeviliscalledthemasterofathousandarts.ButwhatshallwecallGod'sWord,whichdrivesawayandbringstonaughtthismasterofathousandartswithallhisartsandpower?Itmustindeedbethemasterofmorethanahundredthousandarts.13]Andshallwefrivolouslydespisesuchpower,profit,strength,andfruit—we,especially,whoclaimtobepastorsandpreachers?Ifso,weshouldnotonlyhavenothinggivenustoeat,butbedrivenout,beingbaitedwithdogs,andpeltedwithdung,becausewenotonlyneedallthiseverydayasweneedourdailybread,butmustalsodailyuseitagainstthedailyandunabatedattacksandlurkingofthe

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devil,themasterofathousandarts.14]AndifthiswerenotsufficienttoadmonishustoreadtheCatechismdaily,yetweshouldfeelsufficientlyconstrainedbythecommandofGodalone,whosolemnlyenjoinsinDeut.6,6ffthatweshouldalwaysmeditateuponHisprecepts,sitting,walking,standing,lyingdown,andrising,andhavethembeforeoureyesandinourhandsasaconstantmarkandsign.DoubtlessHedidnotsosolemnlyrequireandenjointhiswithoutapurpose;butbecauseHeknowsourdangerandneed,aswellastheconstantandfuriousassaultsandtemptationsofdevils,Hewishestowarn,equip,andpreserveusagainstthem,aswithagoodarmoragainsttheirfierydartsandwithgoodmedicineagainsttheirevilinfectionandsuggestion.15]Oh,whatmad,senselessfoolsarewethat,whilewemusteverliveanddwellamongsuchmightyenemiesasthedevilsare,weneverthelessdespiseourweaponsanddefense,andaretoolazytolookatorthinkofthem!16]Andwhatelsearesuchsupercilious,presumptuoussaints,whoareunwillingtoreadandstudytheCatechismdaily,doingthanesteemingthemselvesmuchmorelearnedthanGodHimselfwithallHissaints,angels,[patriarchs],prophets,apostles,andallChristians?ForinasmuchasGodHimselfisnotashamedtoteachthesethingsdaily,asknowingnothingbettertoteach,andalwayskeepsteachingthesamething,anddoesnottakeupanythingnewordifferent,andallthesaintsknownothingbetterordifferenttolearn,andcannotfinishlearningthis,arewenotthefinestofallfellowstoimagine,ifwehaveoncereadorheardit,thatweknowitall,andhavenofurtherneedtoreadandlearn,butcanfinishlearninginonehourwhatGodHimselfcannotfinishteaching,althoughHeisengagedinteachingitfromthebeginningtotheendoftheworld,andallprophets,togetherwithallsaints,havebeenoccupiedwithlearningit,andhaveeverremainedpupils,andmustcontinuetobesuch?17]ForitneedsmustbethatwhoeverknowstheTenCommandmentsperfectlymustknowalltheScriptures,sothat,inallaffairsandcases,hecanadvise,help,comfort,judge,anddecidebothspiritualandtemporalmatters,andisqualifiedtositinjudgmentuponalldoctrines,estates,spirits,laws,andwhateverelseisintheworld.Andwhat,indeed,istheentirePsalterbutthoughtsandexercisesupontheFirstCommandment?18]NowIknowofatruththatsuchlazypaunchesandpresumptuousspiritsdonotunderstandasinglepsalm,muchlesstheentireHolyScriptures;andyettheypretendtoknowanddespisetheCatechism,whichisacompendandbriefsummaryofalltheHolyScriptures.19]ThereforeIagainimploreallChristians,especiallypastorsandpreachers,nottobedoctorstoosoon,andimaginethattheyknoweverything(forimaginationandclothunshrunk[andfalseweights]fallfarshortofthemeasure),butthattheydailyexercisethemselveswellinthesestudiesandconstantlytreatthem;moreover,thattheyguardwithallcareanddiligenceagainstthepoisonousinfectionofsuchsecurityandvainimagination,butsteadilykeeponreading,teaching,learning,pondering,andmeditating,anddonotceaseuntiltheyhavemadeatestandaresurethattheyhavetaughtthedeviltodeath,andhavebecomemorelearnedthanGodHimselfandallHissaints.20]Iftheymanifestsuchdiligence,thenIwillpromisethem,andtheyshallalsoperceive,whatfruittheywillobtain,andwhatexcellentmenGodwillmakeofthem,sothatinduetimetheythemselveswillacknowledgethatthelongerandthemoretheystudytheCatechism,thelesstheyknowofit,andthemoretheyfindyettolearn;andthenonly,as

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hungryandthirstyones,willtheytrulyrelishthatwhichnowtheycannotendure,becauseofgreatabundanceandsatiety.TothisendmayGodgrantHisgrace!Amen.Backtotop

Short Preface of Dr. Martin Luther 1]Thissermonisdesignedandundertakenthatitmightbeaninstructionforchildrenandthesimple‐minded.HenceofolditwascalledinGreekCatechism,i.e.,instructionforchildren,2]whateveryChristianmustneedsknow,sothathewhodoesnotknowthiscouldnotbenumberedwiththeChristiansnorbeadmittedtoanySacrament,justasamechanicwhodoesnotunderstandtherulesandcustomsofhistradeisexpelledandconsideredincapable.3]ThereforewemusthavetheyounglearnthepartswhichbelongtotheCatechismorinstructionforchildrenwellandfluentlyanddiligentlyexercisethemselvesinthemandkeepthemoccupiedwiththem.4]Thereforeitisthedutyofeveryfatherofafamilytoquestionandexaminehischildrenandservantsatleastonceaweekandtoascertainwhattheyknowofit,orarelearning,and,iftheydonotknowit,tokeepthemfaithfullyatit.5]ForIwellrememberthetime,indeed,evennowitisadailyoccurrencethatonefindsrude,oldpersonswhoknewnothingandstillknownothingofthesethings,andwho,nevertheless,gotoBaptismandtheLord'sSupper,anduseeverythingbelongingtoChristians,notwithstandingthatthosewhocometotheLord'sSupperoughttoknowmoreandhaveafullerunderstandingofallChristiandoctrinethanchildrenandnewscholars.6]However,forthecommonpeoplewearesatisfiedwiththethreeparts,whichhaveremainedinChristendomfromofold,thoughlittleofithasbeentaughtandtreatedcorrectlyuntilbothyoungandold,whoarecalledandwishtobeChristians,arewelltrainedinthemandfamiliarwiththem.Thesearethefollowing:

First. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.

1]1.ThoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeMe.2]2.ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLord,thyGod,invain[fortheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessthattakethHisnameinvain].3]3.Thoushaltsanctifytheholy‐day.[RemembertheSabbath‐daytokeepitholy.]4]4.Thoushalthonorthyfatherandmother[thatthoumayestlivelongupontheearth].5]5.Thoushaltnotkill.6]6.Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.7]7.Thoushaltnotsteal.8]8.Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbor.9]9.Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor'shouse.10]10.Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor'swife,norhisman‐servant,norhismaid‐servant,norhiscattle[ox,norhisass],noranythingthatishis.

Secondly. THE CHIEF ARTICLES OF OUR FAITH.

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11]1.IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth.12]2.AndinJesusChrist,HisonlySon,ourLord;whowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary;sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied;Hedescendedintohell;thethirddayHeroseagainfromthedead;Heascendedintoheaven,andsittethontherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.13]3.IbelieveintheHolyGhost,theholyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints,theforgivenessofsins,theresurrectionofthebody,andthelifeeverlasting.Amen.

14] Thirdly. THE PRAYER, OR "OUR FATHER," WHICH CHRIST TAUGHT.

OurFatherwhoartinheaven.1.HallowedbeThyname.2.Thykingdomcome.3.Thywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.4.Giveusthisdayourdailybread.5.Andforgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.6.Andleadusnotintotemptation.7.Butdeliverusfromevil.[ForThineisthekingdomandthepowerandtheglory,foreverandever.]Amen.15]Thesearethemostnecessarypartswhichoneshouldfirstlearntorepeatwordforword,16]andwhichourchildrenshouldbeaccustomedtorecitedailywhentheyariseinthemorning,whentheysitdowntotheirmeals,andwhentheyretireatnight;anduntiltheyrepeatthem,theyshouldbegivenneitherfoodnordrink.17]Likewiseeveryheadofahouseholdisobligedtodothesamewithrespecttohisdomestics,man‐servantsandmaid‐servants,andnottokeeptheminhishouseiftheydonotknowthesethingsandareunwillingtolearnthem.18]Forapersonwhoissorudeandunrulyastobeunwillingtolearnthesethingsisnottobetolerated;forinthesethreepartseverythingthatwehaveintheScripturesiscomprehendedinshort,plain,andsimpleterms.19]FortheholyFathersorapostles(whoevertheywere)havethusembracedinasummarythedoctrine,life,wisdom,andartofChristians,ofwhichtheyspeakandtreat,andwithwhichtheyareoccupied.20]Now,whenthesethreepartsareapprehended,itbehoovesapersonalsotoknowwhattosayconcerningourSacraments,whichChristHimselfinstituted,BaptismandtheholybodyandbloodofChrist,namely,thetextwhichMatthew28,19ffandMark16,15frecordatthecloseoftheirGospelswhenChristsaidfarewelltoHisdisciplesandsentthemforth.

21] OF BAPTISM. Goyeandteachallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved;buthethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.22]SomuchissufficientforasimplepersontoknowfromtheScripturesconcerning

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Baptism.Inlikemanner,also,concerningtheotherSacrament,inshort,simplewords,namely,thetextofSt.Paul[1Cor.11,23f].

OF THE SACRAMENT. 23]OurLordJesusChrist,thesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayed,tookbread;andwhenHehadgiventhanks,Hebrakeit,andgaveittoHisdisciplesandsaid,Take,eat;thisis,Mybody,whichisgivenforyou:thisdoinremembranceofMe.AfterthesamemanneralsoHetookthecup,whenHehadsupped,gavethanks,andgaveittothem,saying,Drinkyeallofit;thiscupisthenewtestamentinMyblood,whichisshedforyoufortheremissionofsins:thisdoye,asoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofMe.24]Thuswouldhave,inall,fivepartsoftheentireChristiandoctrinewhichshouldbeconstantlytreatedandrequired[ofchildren],andheardrecitedwordforword.Foryoumustnotrelyuponitthattheyoungpeoplewilllearnandretainthesethingsfromthesermonalone.25]Whenthesepartshavebeenwelllearned,youmay,asasupplementandtofortifythem,laybeforethemalsosomepsalmsorhymns,whichhavebeencomposedontheseparts,andthusleadtheyoungintotheScriptures,andmakedailyprogresstherein.26]However,itisnotenoughforthemtocomprehendandrecitethesepartsaccordingtothewordsonly,buttheyoungpeopleshouldalsobemadetoattendthepreaching,especiallyduringthetimewhichisdevotedtotheCatechism,thattheymayhearitexplained,andmaylearntounderstandwhateverypartcontains,soastobeabletoreciteitastheyhaveheardit,and,whenasked,maygiveacorrectanswer,sothatthepreachingmaynotbewithoutprofitandfruit.27]ForthereasonwhyweexercisesuchdiligenceinpreachingtheCatechismsooftenisthatitmaybeinculcatedonouryouth,notinahighandsubtilemanner,butbrieflyandwiththegreatestsimplicity,soastoenterthemindreadilyandbefixedinthememory.28]Thereforeweshallnowtakeuptheabove‐mentionedarticlesonebyoneandintheplainestmannerpossiblesayaboutthemasmuchasisnecessary.Backtotop

Large Catechism Part First: The Ten Commandments The First Commandment.

ThoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeMe.1]Thatis:Thoushalthave[andworship]MealoneasthyGod.Whatistheforceofthis,andhowisittobeunderstood?Whatdoesitmeantohaveagod?or,whatisGod?2]Answer:Agodmeansthatfromwhichwearetoexpectallgoodandtowhichwearetotakerefugeinalldistress,sothattohaveaGodisnothingelsethantotrustandbelieveHimfromthe[whole]heart;asIhaveoftensaidthattheconfidenceandfaithoftheheartalonemakeboth

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Godandanidol.3]Ifyourfaithandtrustberight,thenisyourgodalsotrue;and,ontheotherhand,ifyourtrustbefalseandwrong,thenyouhavenotthetrueGod;forthesetwobelongtogether,faithandGod.Thatnow,Isay,uponwhichyousetyourheartandputyourtrustisproperlyyourgod.4]ThereforeitistheintentofthiscommandmenttorequiretruefaithandtrustoftheheartwhichsettlesupontheonlytrueGod,andclingstoHimalone.Thatisasmuchastosay:"SeetoitthatyouletMealonebeyourGod,andneverseekanother,"i.e.:Whateveryoulackofgoodthings,expectitofMe,andlooktoMeforit,andwheneveryousuffermisfortuneanddistress,creepandclingtoMe.I,yes,I,willgiveyouenoughandhelpyououtofeveryneed;onlyletnotyourheartcleavetoorrestinanyother.5]ThisImustunfoldsomewhatmoreplainly,thatitmaybeunderstoodandperceivedbyordinaryexamplesofthecontrary.ManyaonethinksthathehasGodandeverythinginabundancewhenhehasmoneyand,possessions;hetrustsinthemandboastsofthemwithsuchfirmnessandassuranceastocarefornoone.6]Lo,suchamanalsohasagod,Mammonbyname,i.e.,moneyandpossessions,onwhichhesetsallhisheart,andwhichisalsothemostcommonidolonearth.7]Hewhohasmoneyandpossessionsfeelssecure,andisjoyfulandundismayedasthoughheweresittinginthemidstofParadise.8]Ontheotherhand,hewhohasnonedoubtsandisdespondent,asthoughheknewofnoGod.9]Forveryfewaretobefoundwhoareofgoodcheer,andwhoneithermournnorcomplainiftheyhavenotMammon.This[careanddesireformoney]sticksandclingstoournature,eventothegrave.10]So,too,whoevertrustsandboaststhathepossessesgreatskill,prudence,power,favor,friendship,andhonorhasalsoagod,butnotthistrueandonlyGod.Thisappearsagainwhenyounoticehowpresumptuous,secure,andproudpeoplearebecauseofsuchpossessions,andhowdespondentwhentheynolongerexistorarewithdrawn.ThereforeIrepeatthatthechiefexplanationofthispointisthattohaveagodistohavesomethinginwhichtheheartentirelytrusts.11]Besides,considerwhat,inourblindness,wehavehithertobeenpractisinganddoingunderthePapacy.Ifanyonehadtoothache,hefastedandhonoredSt.Apollonia[maceratedhisfleshbyvoluntaryfastingtothehonorofSt.Apollonia];ifhewasafraidoffire,hechoseSt.Lawrenceashishelperinneed;ifhedreadedpestilence,hemadeavowtoSt.SebastianorRochio,andacountlessnumberofsuchabominations,whereeveryoneselectedhisownsaint,worshipedhim,andcalledforhelptohimindistress.12]Herebelongthosealso,as,e.g.,sorcerersandmagicians,whoseidolatryismostgross,andwhomakeacovenantwiththedevil,inorderthathemaygivethemplentyofmoneyorhelptheminlove‐affairs,preservetheircattle,restoretothemlostpossessions,etc.ForalltheseplacetheirheartandtrustelsewherethaninthetrueGod,lookfornothinggoodtoHimnorseekitfromHim.13]Thusyoucaneasilyunderstandwhatandhowmuchthiscommandmentrequires,namely,thatman'sentireheartandallhisconfidencebeplacedinGodalone,andinnooneelse.FortohaveGod,youcaneasilyperceive,isnottolayholdofHimwithourhandsortoputHiminabag[asmoney],ortolockHiminachest[assilvervessels].14]ButtoapprehendHimmeanswhentheheartlaysholdofHimandclingstoHim.15]ButtoclingtoHimwiththeheartisnothingelsethantotrustinHimentirely.ForthisreasonHewishestoturnusawayfromeverythingelsethatexistsoutsideofHim,andtodrawustoHimself,namely,becauseHeistheonlyeternalgood.AsthoughHewouldsay;Whateveryouhaveheretofore

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soughtofthesaints,orforwhatever[things]youhavetrustedinMammonoranythingelse,expectitallofMe,andregardMeastheonewhowillhelpyouandpouroutuponyourichlyallgoodthings.16]Lo,hereyouhavethemeaningofthetruehonorandworshipofGod,whichpleasesGod,andwhichHecommandsunderpenaltyofeternalwrath,namely,thattheheartknownoothercomfortorconfidencethaninHim,anddonotsufferitselftobetornfromHim,but,forHim,riskanddisregardeverythinguponearth.17]Ontheotherhand,youcaneasilyseeandjudgehowtheworldpractisesonlyfalseworshipandidolatry.Fornopeoplehaseverbeensoreprobateasnottoinstituteandobservesomedivineworship;everyonehassetupashisspecialgodwhateverhelookedtoforblessings,help,andcomfort.18]Thus,forexample,theheathenwhoputtheirtrustinpoweranddominionelevatedJupiterasthesupremegod;theothers,whowerebentuponriches,happiness,orpleasure,andalifeofease,Hercules,Mercury,Venus,orothers;womenwithchild,DianaorLucina,andsoon;thuseveryonemadethathisgodtowhichhisheartwasinclined,sothateveninthemindoftheheathentohaveagodmeanstotrustandbelieve.19]Buttheirerroristhis,thattheirtrustisfalseandwrong;foritisnotplacedintheonlyGod,besideswhomthereistrulynoGodinheavenoruponearth.20]Thereforetheheathenreallymaketheirself‐inventednotionsanddreamsofGodanidol,andputtheirtrustinthatwhichisaltogethernothing.21]Thusitiswithallidolatry;foritconsistsnotmerelyinerectinganimageandworshipingit,butratherintheheart,whichstandsgapingatsomethingelse,andseekshelpandconsolationfromcreatures,saints,ordevils,andneithercaresforGod,norlookstoHimforsomuchgoodastobelievethatHeiswillingtohelp,neitherbelievesthatwhatevergooditexperiencescomesfromGod.22]Besides,thereisalsoafalseworshipandextremeidolatry,whichwehavehithertopractised,andisstillprevalentintheworld,uponwhichalsoallecclesiasticalordersarefounded,andwhichconcernstheconsciencealone,thatseeksinitsownworkshelp,consolation,andsalvation,presumestowrestheavenfromGod,andreckonshowmanybequestsithasmade,howoftenithasfasted,celebratedMass,etc.Uponsuchthingsitdepends,andofthemboasts,asthoughunwillingtoreceiveanythingfromGodasagift,butdesiresitselftoearnormerititsuperabundantly,justasthoughHemustserveusandwereourdebtor,andweHisliegelords.23]WhatisthisbutreducingGodtoanidol,yea,[afigimageor]anapple‐god,andelevatingandregardingourselvesasGod?Butthisisslightlytoosubtile,andisnotforyoungpupils.24]Butletthisbesaidtothesimple,thattheymaywellnoteandrememberthemeaningofthiscommandment,namely,thatwearetotrustinGodalone,andlooktoHimandexpectfromHimnaughtbutgood,asfromonewhogivesusbody,life,food,drink,nourishment,health,protection,peace,andallnecessariesofbothtemporalandeternalthings.liealsopreservesusfrommisfortune,andifanyevilbefallus,deliversandrescuesus,sothatitisGodalone(ashasbeensufficientlysaid)fromwhomwereceiveallgood,andbywhom25]wearedeliveredfromallevil.Hencealso,Ithink,weGermansfromancienttimescallGod(moreelegantlyandappropriatelythananyotherlanguage)bythatnamefromthewordGood,asbeinganeternalfountainwhichgushesforthabundantlynothingbutwhatisgood,andfromwhichflowsforthallthatisandiscalledgood.26]Foreventhoughotherwiseweexperiencemuchgoodfrommen,stillwhateverwereceivebyHiscommandorarrangementisallreceivedfromGod.Forourparents,andall

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rulers,andeveryonebesideswithrespecttohisneighbor,havereceivedfromGodthecommandthattheyshoulddousallmannerofgood,sothatwereceivetheseblessingsnotfromthem,but,throughthem,fromGod.Forcreaturesareonlythehands,channels,andmeanswherebyGodgivesallthings,asHegivestothemotherbreastsandmilktooffertoherchild,andcornandallmannerofproducefromtheearthfornourishment,noneofwhichblessingscouldbeproducedbyanycreatureofitself.27]ThereforenomanshouldpresumetotakeorgiveanythingexceptasGodhascommanded,inorderthatitmaybeacknowledgedasGod'sgift,andthanksmayberenderedHimforit,asthiscommandmentrequires.Onthisaccountalsothesemeansofreceivinggoodgiftsthroughcreaturesarenottoberejected,neithershouldweinpresumptionseekotherwaysandmeansthanGodhascommanded.ForthatwouldnotbereceivingfromGod,butseekingofourselves.28]Leteveryone,then,seetoitthatheesteemthiscommandmentgreatandhighaboveallthings,anddonotregarditasajoke.Askandexamineyourheartdiligently,andyouwillfindwhetheritcleavestoGodaloneornot.IfyouhaveaheartthatcanexpectofHimnothingbutwhatisgood,especiallyinwantanddistress,andthat,moreover,renouncesandforsakeseverythingthatisnotGod,thenyouhavetheonlytrueGod.If,onthecontrary,itcleavestoanythingelse,ofwhichitexpectsmoregoodandhelpthanofGod,anddoesnottakerefugeinHim,butinadversityfleesfromHim,thenyouhaveanidol,anothergod.29]InorderthatitmaybeseenthatGodwillnothavethiscommandmentthrowntothewinds,butwillmoststrictlyenforceit,Hehasattachedtoitfirstaterriblethreat,andthenabeautiful,comfortingpromisewhichisalsotobeurgedandimpresseduponyoungpeople,thattheymaytakeittoheartandretainit:[ExpositionoftheAppendixtotheFirstCommandment.]30]ForIamtheLord,thyGod,strongandjealous,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateMe;andshowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatloveMeandkeepMycommandments.31]Althoughthesewordsrelatetoallthecommandments(asweshallhereafterlearn),yettheyarejoinedtothischiefcommandmentbecauseitisoffirstimportancethatmenhavearighthead;forwheretheheadisright,thewholelifemustberight,andviceversa.32]Learn,therefore,fromthesewordshowangryGodiswiththosewhotrustinanythingbutHim,andagain,howgoodandgraciousHeistothosewhotrustandbelieveinHimalonewiththewholeheart;sothatHisangerdoesnotceaseuntilthefourthgeneration,while,ontheotherhand,Hisblessingandgoodnessextendtomanythousands,33]lestyouliveinsuchsecurityandcommityourselftochance,asmenofbrutalheart,whothinkthatitmakesnogreatdifference[howtheylive].34]HeisaGodwhowillnotleaveitunavengedifmenturnfromHim,andwillnotceasetobeangryuntilthefourthgeneration,evenuntiltheyareutterlyexterminated.ThereforeHeistobefeared,andnottobedespised.35]Hehasalsodemonstratedthisinallhistory,astheScripturesabundantlyshowanddailyexperiencestillteaches.ForfromthebeginningHehasutterlyextirpatedallidolatry,and,onaccountofit,bothheathenandJews;evenasatthepresentdayHeoverthrowsallfalseworship,sothatallwhoremainthereinmustfinallyperish.36]Therefore,althoughproud,powerful,andrichworldlings[SardanapalusesandPhalarides,whosurpasseventhePersiansinwealth]arenowtobefound,whoboastdefiantlyoftheirMammon,withutterdisregard

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whetherGodisangryatorsmilesonthem,anddaretowithstandHiswrath,yettheyshallnotsucceed,butbeforetheyareaware,theyshallbewrecked,withallinwhichtheytrusted;asallothershaveperishedwhohavethoughtthemselvesmoresecureorpowerful.37]AndjustbecauseofsuchhardenedheadswhoimaginebecauseGodconnivesandallowsthemtorestinsecurity,thatHeeitherisentirelyignorantorcaresnothingaboutsuchmatters,Hemustdealasmashingblowandpunishthem,sothatHecannotforgetituntochildren'schildren;sothateveryonemaytakenoteandseethatthisisnojoketoHim.38]FortheyarethosewhomHemeanswhenHesays:WhohateMe,i.e.,thosewhopersistintheirdefianceandpride;whateverispreachedorsaidtothem,theywillnotlisten;whentheyarereproved,inorderthattheymaylearntoknowthemselvesandamendbeforethepunishmentbegins,theybecomemadandfoolishsoastofairlymeritwrath,asnowweseedailyinbishopsandprinces.39]Butterribleasarethesethreatenings,somuchthemorepowerfulistheconsolationinthepromise,thatthosewhoclingtoGodaloneshouldbesurethatHewillshowthemmercy,thatis,showthempuregoodnessandblessing,notonlyforthemselves,butalsototheirchildrenandchildren'schildren,eventothethousandthgenerationandbeyondthat.40]ThisoughtcertainlytomoveandimpelustoriskourheartsinallconfidencewithGod,ifwewishalltemporalandeternalgood,sincetheSupremeMajestymakessuchsublimeoffersandpresentssuchcordialinducementsandsuchrichpromises.41]Thereforeleteveryoneseriouslytakethistoheart,lestitberegardedasthoughamanhadspokenit.Fortoyouitisaquestioneitherofeternalblessing,happiness,andsalvation,orofeternalwrath,misery,andwoe.WhatmorewouldyouhaveordesirethanthatHesokindlypromisestobeyourswitheveryblessing,andtoprotectandhelpyouinallneed?42]But,alas!hereisthefailure,thattheworldbelievesnothingofthis,norregardsitasGod'sWordbecauseitseesthatthosewhotrustinGodandnotinMammonsuffercareandwant,andthedevilopposesandresiststhem,thattheyhaveneithermoney,favor,norhonor,and,besides,canscarcelysupportlife;while,ontheotherhand,thosewhoserveMammonhavepower,favor,honor,possessions,andeverycomfortintheeyesoftheworld.Forthisreason,thesewordsmustbegraspedasbeingdirectedagainstsuchappearances;andwemustconsiderthattheydonotlieordeceive,butmustcometrue.43]Reflectforyourselformakeinquiryandtellme:Thosewhohaveemployedalltheircareanddiligencetoaccumulategreatpossessionsandwealth,whathavetheyfinallyattained?Youwillfindthattheyhavewastedtheirtoilandlabor,oreventhoughtheyhaveamassedgreattreasures,theyhavebeendispersedandscattered,sothattheythemselveshaveneverfoundhappinessintheirwealth,andafterwardsitneverreachedthethirdgeneration.44]Instancesofthisyouwillfindaplentyinallhistories,alsointhememoryofagedandexperiencedpeople.Onlyobserveandponderthem.45]Saulwasagreatking,chosenofGod,andagodlyman;butwhenhewasestablishedonhisthrone,andlethisheartdeclinefromGod,andputhistrustinhiscrownandpower,hehadtoperishwithallthathehad,sothatnoneevenofhischildrenremained.46]David,ontheotherhand,wasapoor,despisedman,hunteddownandchased,sothathe

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nowherefeltsecureofhislife;yethehadtoremaininspiteofSaul,andbecomeking.Forthesewordshadtoabideandcometrue,sinceGodcannotlieordeceive.Onlyletnotthedevilandtheworlddeceiveyouwiththeirshow,whichindeedremainsforatime,butfinallyisnothing.47]Letus,then,learnwelltheFirstCommandment,thatwemayseehowGodwilltoleratenopresumptionnoranytrustinanyotherobject,andhowHerequiresnothinghigherofusthanconfidencefromtheheartforeverythinggood,sothatwemayproceedrightandstraightforwardandusealltheblessingswhichGodgivesnofartherthanasashoemakeruseshisneedle,awl,andthreadforwork,andthenlaysthemaside,orasatravelerusesaninn,andfood,andhisbedonlyfortemporalnecessity,eachoneinhisstation,accordingtoGod'sorder,andwithoutallowinganyofthesethingstobeourlordoridol.48]LetthissufficewithrespecttotheFirstCommandment,whichwehavehadtoexplainatlength,sinceitisofchiefimportance,because,asbeforesaid,wheretheheartisrightlydisposedtowardGodandthiscommandmentisobserved,alltheothersfollow.Backtotop

The Second Commandment. 49]ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLord,thyGod,invain.50]AstheFirstCommandmenthasinstructedtheheartandtaught[thebasisof]faith,sothiscommandmentleadsusforthanddirectsthemouthandtonguetoGod.Forthefirstobjectsthatspringfromtheheartandmanifestthemselvesarewords.Now,asIhavetaughtabovehowtoanswerthequestion,whatitistohaveagod,soyoumustlearntocomprehendsimplythemeaningofthisandallthecommandments,andtoapplyittoyourself.51]If,then,itbeasked:HowdoyouunderstandtheSecondCommandment,orwhatismeantbytakinginvain,ormisusingGod'sname?answerbrieflythus:ItismisusingGod'snamewhenwecallupontheLordGod,nomatterinwhatway,forpurposesoffalsehoodorwrongofanykind.Thereforethiscommandmentenjoinsthismuch,thatGod'snamemustnotbeappealedtofalsely,ortakenuponthelips,whiletheheartknowswellenough,orshouldknow,differently;asamongthosewhotakeoathsincourt,whereonesideliesagainsttheother.52]ForGod'snamecannotbemisusedworsethanforthesupportoffalsehoodanddeceit.LetthisremaintheexactGermanandsimplestmeaningofthiscommandment.53]FromthiseveryonecanreadilyinferwhenandinhowmanywaysGod'snameismisused,althoughitisimpossibletoenumerateallitsmisuses.Yet,totellitinafewwords,allmisuseofthedivinenameoccurs,first,inworldlybusinessandinmatterswhichconcernmoney,possessions,honor,whetheritbepubliclyincourt,inthemarket,orwhereverelsemenmakefalseoathsinGod'sname,orpledgetheirsoulsinanymatter.Andthisisespeciallyprevalentinmarriageaffairs,wheretwogoandsecretlybetroththemselvestooneanother,andafterwardabjure[theirplightedtroth].54]But,thegreatestabuseoccursinspiritualmatters,whichpertaintotheconscience,whenfalsepreachersriseupandoffertheirlyingvanitiesasGod'sWord.55]Behold,allthisisdeckingone'sselfoutwithGod'sname,ormakingaprettyshow,or

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claimingtoberight,whetheritoccuringross,worldlybusinessorinsublime,subtilemattersoffaithanddoctrine.Andamongliarsbelongalsoblasphemers,notalonetheverygross,wellknowntoeveryone,whodisgraceGod'snamewithoutfear(thesearenotforus,butforthehangmantodiscipline);butalsothosewhopubliclytraducethetruthandGod'sWordandconsignittothedevil.Ofthisthereisnoneednowtospeakfurther.56]Here,then,letuslearnandtaketoheartthegreatimportanceofthiscommandment,thatwithalldiligencewemayguardagainstanddreadeverymisuseoftheholyname,asthegreatestsinthatcanbeoutwardlycommitted.Fortolieanddeceiveisinitselfagreatsin,butisgreatlyaggravatedwhenweattempttojustifyit,andseektoconfirmitbyinvokingthenameofGodandusingitasacloakforshame,sothatfromasinglelieadoublelie,nay,manifoldlies,result.57]Forthisreason,too,Godhasaddedasolemnthreattothiscommandment,towit:FortheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessthattakethHisnameinvain.Thatis:Itshallnotbecondonedtoanyonenorpassunpunished.ForaslittleasHewillleaveitunavengedifanyoneturnhisheartfromHim,aslittlewillHesufferHisnametobeemployedfordressingupalie.58]Now,alas!itisacommoncalamityinalltheworldthatthereareasfewwhoarenotusingthenameofGodforpurposesoflyingandallwickednessastherearethosewhowiththeirhearttrustaloneinGod.59]Forbynatureweallhavewithinusthisbeautifulvirtue,towit,thatwhoeverhascommittedawrongwouldliketocoverupandadornhisdisgrace,sothatnoonemayseeitorknowit;andnooneissoboldastoboasttoalltheworldofthewickednesshehasperpetrated;allwishtoactbystealthandwithoutanyonebeingawareofwhattheydo.Then,ifanyonebearraigned,thenameofGodisdraggedintotheaffairandmustmakethevillainylooklikegodliness,andtheshamelikehonor.Thisisthecommoncourseoftheworld,which,likeagreatdeluge,hasfloodedalllands.60]Hencewehavealsoasourrewardwhatweseekanddeserve:pestilences,wars,famines,conflagrations,floods,waywardwives,children,servants,andallsortsofdefilement.Whenceelseshouldsomuchmiserycome?Itisstillagreatmercythattheearthbearsandsupportsus.61]Therefore,aboveallthings,ouryoungpeopleshouldhavethiscommandmentearnestlyenforceduponthem,andtheyshouldbetrainedtoholdthisandtheFirstCommandmentinhighregard;andwhenevertheytransgress,wemustatoncebeafterthemwiththerod,andholdthecommandmentbeforethem,andconstantlyinculcateit,soastobringthemupnotonlywithpunishment,butalsointhereverenceandfearofGod.62]ThusyounowunderstandwhatitistotakeGod'snameinvain,thatis(torecapitulatebriefly),eithersimplyforpurposesoffalsehood,andtoallegeGod'snameforsomethingthatisnotso,ortocurse,swear,conjure,and,inshort,topractisewhateverwickednessonemay.63]Besidesthisyoumustalsoknowhowtousethename[ofGod]aright.Forwhensaying:ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLord,thyGod,invain,Hegivesustounderstandatthesametimethatitistobeusedproperly.Forithasbeenrevealedandgiventousfortheverypurposethatitmaybeofconstantuseandprofit.64]Henceitisanaturalinference,sinceusingtheholynameforfalsehoodorwickednessishereforbidden,thatweare,ontheotherhand,commandedtoemployitfortruthandforallgood,aswhenoneswearstrulywherethereisneedanditisdemanded.Soalsowhenthereisrightteaching,andwhenthenameisinvokedintroubleorpraisedandthankedinprosperity,etc.;allofwhichiscomprehended

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summarilyandcommandedinthepassagePs.50,15:CalluponMeinthedayoftrouble;Iwilldeliverthee,andthoushaltglorifyMe.Forallthisisbringingitintotheserviceoftruth,andusingitinablessedway,andthusHisnameishallowed,asweprayintheLord'sPrayer.65]Thusyouhavethesumoftheentirecommandmentexplained.Andwiththisunderstandingthequestionwithwhichmanyteachershavetroubledthemselveshasbeeneasilysolved,towit,whyswearingisprohibitedintheGospel,andyetChrist,St.Paul,andothersaintsoftenswore.66]Theexplanationisbrieflythis:Wearenottoswearinsupportofevil,thatis,offalsehood,andwherethereisnoneedoruse;butforthesupportofgoodandtheadvantageofourneighborweshouldswear.Foritisatrulygoodwork,bywhichGodispraised,truthandrightareestablished,falsehoodisrefuted,peaceismadeamongmen,obedienceisrendered,andquarrelsaresettled.ForinthiswayGodHimselfinterposesandseparatesbetweenrightandwrong,goodandevil.67]Ifonepartswearsfalsely,hehashissentencethatheshallnotescapepunishment,andthoughitbedeferredalongtime,heshallnotsucceed;sothatallthathemaygaintherebywillslipoutofhishands,andhewillneverenjoyit;68]asIhaveseeninthecaseofmanywhoperjuredthemselvesintheirmarriage‐vows,thattheyhaveneverhadahappyhourorahealthfulday,andthusperishedmiserablyinbody,soul,andpossessions.69]ThereforeIadviseandexhortasbeforethatbymeansofwarningandthreatening,restraintandpunishment,thechildrenbetrainedbetimestoshunfalsehood,andespeciallytoavoidtheuseofGod'snameinitssupport.Forwheretheyareallowedtodoatheyplease,nogoodwillresult,asisevennowevidentthattheworldisworsethanithaseverbeen,andthatthereisnogovernment,noobedience,nofidelity,nofaith,butonlydaring,unbridledmen,whomnoteachingorreproofhelps;allofwhichisGod'swrathandpunishmentforsuchwantoncontemptofthiscommandment.70]Ontheotherhand,theyshouldbeconstantlyurgedandincitedtohonorGod'sname,andtohaveitalwaysupontheirlipsineverythingthatmayhappentothemorcometotheirnotice.ForthatisthetruehonorofHisname,tolooktoitandimploreitforallconsolation,sothat(aswehaveheardabove)firsttheheartbyfaithgivesGodthehonordueHim,andafterwardsthelipsbyconfession.71]Thisisalsoablessedandusefulhabitandveryeffectualagainstthedevil,whoiseveraboutus,andliesinwaittobringusintosinandshame,calamityandtrouble,butwhoisveryloathtohearGod'sname,andcannotremainlongwhereitisutteredandcalleduponfromtheheart.And,indeed,manyaterribleandshockingcalamitywouldbefallusif,byourcallinguponHisname,Goddidnotpreserveus.72]Ihavemyselftriedit,andlearnedbyexperiencethatoftensuddengreatcalamitywasimmediatelyavertedandremovedduringsuchinvocation.Tovexthedevil,Isay,weshouldalwayshavethisholynameinourmouth,sothathemaynotbeabletoinjureusashewishes.73]ForthisenditisalsoofservicethatweformthehabitofdailycommendingourselvestoGod,withsoulandbody,wife,children,servants,andallthatwehave,againsteveryneedthatmayoccur;whencealsotheblessingandthanksgivingatmeals,andotherprayers,morningandevening,haveoriginatedandremaininuse.74]Likewisethepracticeofchildrentocrossthemselveswhenanythingmonstrousorterribleisseenorheard,andtoexclaim:"LordGod,protectus!""Help,dearLordJesus!"etc.Thus,too,ifanyonemeetswithunexpectedgoodfortune,howevertrivial,thathesay:"Godbepraisedandthanked;thisGodhasbestowedonme!"etc.,asformerlythechildrenwereaccustomedtofastandpray

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toSt.Nicholasandothersaints.ThiswouldbemorepleasingandacceptabletoGodthanallmonasticismandCarthusiansanctity.75]Behold,thuswemighttrainouryouth,inachildlikewayandplayfullyinthefearandhonorofGod,sothattheFirstandSecondCommandmentsmightbewellobservedandinconstantpractise,Thensomegoodmighttakeroot,springupandbearfruit,andmengrowupwhom76]anentirelandmightrelishandenjoy.Moreover,thiswouldbethetruewaytobringupchildrenwellaslongastheycanbecometrainedwithkindnessanddelight.Forwhatmustbeenforcedwithrodsandblowsonlywillnotdevelopintoagoodbreed,andatbesttheywillremaingodlyundersuchtreatmentnolongerthanwhiletherodisupontheirback.77]Butthis[manneroftraining]sospreadsitsrootsintheheartthattheyfearGodmorethanrodsandclubs.ThisIsaywithsuchsimplicityforthesakeoftheyoung,thatitmaypenetratetheirminds.Forsincewearepreachingtochildren,wemustalsoprattlewiththem.Thuswehavepreventedtheabuseandhavetaughttherightuseofthedivinename,whichshouldconsistnotonlyinwords,butalsoinpractiseandlife,sothatwemayknowthatGodiswellpleasedwiththis,andwillasrichlyrewarditasHewillterriblypunishtheabuse.Backtotop

The Third Commandment. 78]Thoushaltsanctifytheholyday.[RemembertheSabbathdaytokeepitholy.]79]Thewordholyday(Feiertag)isrenderedfromtheHebrewwordsabbathwhichproperlysignifiestorest,thatis,toabstainfromlabor.Henceweareaccustomedtosay,Feierabendmachen[thatis,toceaseworking],orheiligenAbendgeben[sanctifytheSabbath].80]Now,intheOldTestament,Godseparatedtheseventhday,andappointeditforrest,andcommandedthatitshouldberegardedasholyaboveallothers.Asregardsthisexternalobservance,thiscommandmentwasgiventotheJewsalone,thattheyshouldabstainfromtoilsomework,andrest,sothatbothmanandbeastmightrecuperate,andnotbeweakenedbyunremittinglabor.Althoughtheyafterwardsrestrictedthistooclosely,andgrosslyabusedit,sothattheytraducedandcouldnotendureinChristthoseworkswhichtheythemselveswereaccustomedtodoonthatday,aswereadintheGospel;justasthoughthecommandmentwerefulfilledbydoingnoexternal,[manual]workwhatever,which,however,wasnotthemeaning,but,asweshallhear,thattheysanctifytheholydayordayofrest.82]Thiscommandment,therefore,accordingtoitsgrosssense,doesnotconcernusChristians;foritisaltogetheranexternalmatter,likeotherordinancesoftheOldTestament,whichwereattachedtoparticularcustoms,persons,times,andplaces,andnowhavebeenmadefreethroughChrist.83]ButtograspaChristianmeaningforthesimpleastowhatGodrequiresinthiscommandment,notethatwekeepholydaysnotforthesakeofintelligentandlearnedChristians(fortheyhavenoneedofit[holydays]),butfirstofallforbodilycausesandnecessities,whichnatureteachesandrequires;forthecommonpeople,manservantsandmaid‐servants,whohavebeenattendingtotheirworkandtradethewholeweek,thatforadaytheymayretireinordertorestandberefreshed.

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84]Secondly,andmostespecially,thatonsuchdayofrest(sincewecangetnootheropportunity)freedomandtimebetakentoattenddivineservice,sothatwecometogethertohearandtreatofGod'sWord,andthentopraiseGod,tosingandpray.85]However,this,Isay,isnotsorestrictedtoanytime,aswiththeJews,thatitmustbejustonthisorthatday;forinitselfnoonedayisbetterthananother;butthisshouldindeedbedonedaily;however,sincethemassescannotgivesuchattendance,theremustbeatleastonedayintheweeksetapart.ButsincefromofoldSunday[theLord'sDay]hasbeenappointedforthispurpose,wealsoshouldcontinuethesame,inorderthateverythingbedoneinharmoniousorder,andnoonecreatedisorderbyunnecessaryinnovation.86]Thereforethisisthesimplemeaningofthecommandment:sinceholidaysareobservedanyhow,suchobservanceshouldbedevotedtohearingGod'sWord,sothatthespecialfunctionofthisdayshouldbetheministryoftheWordfortheyoungandthemassofpoorpeople;yetthattherestingbenotsostrictlyinterpretedastoforbidanyotherincidentalworkthatcannotbeavoided.87]Accordingly,whenasked,Whatismeantbythecommandment:Thoushaltsanctifytheholyday?answer:Tosanctifytheholydayisthesameastokeepitholy.Butwhatismeantbykeepingitholy?Nothingelsethantobeoccupiedinholywords,works,andlife.Forthedayneedsnosanctificationforitself;forinitselfithasbeencreatedholy[fromthebeginningofthecreationitwassanctifiedbyitsCreator].ButGoddesiresittobeholytoyou.Thereforeitbecomesholyorunholyonyouraccount,accordingasyouareoccupiedonthesamewiththingsthatareholyorunholy.88]How,then,doessuchsanctificationtakeplace?Notinthismanner,that[withfoldedhands]wesitbehindthestoveanddonorough[external]work,ordeckourselveswithawreathandputonourbestclothes,but(ashasbeensaid)thatweoccupyourselveswithGod'sWord,andexerciseourselvestherein.89]And,indeedweChristiansoughtalwaystokeepsuchaholyday,andbeoccupiedwithnothingbutholythings,i.e.,dailybeengageduponGod'sWord,andcarryitinourheartsanduponourlips.But(ashasbeensaid)sincewedonotatalltimeshaveleisure,wemustdevoteseveralhoursaweekforthesakeoftheyoung,oratleastadayforthesakeoftheentiremultitude,tobeingconcernedaboutthisalone,andespeciallyurgetheTenCommandments,theCreed,andtheLord'sPrayer,andthusdirectourwholelifeandbeingaccordingtoGod'sWord.90]Atwhatevertime,then,thisisbeingobservedandpractised,thereatrueholydayisbeingkept;otherwiseitshallnotbecalledaChristians'holyday.For,indeed,non‐Christianscanalsoceasefromworkandbeidle,justastheentireswarmofourecclesiastics,whostanddailyinthechurches,singing,andringingbellsbutkeepingnoholydayholy,becausetheyneitherpreachnorpractiseGod'sWord,butteachandlivecontrarytoit.91]FortheWordofGodisthesanctuaryaboveallsanctuaries,yea,theonlyonewhichweChristiansknowandhave.Forthoughwehadthebonesofallthesaintsorallholyandconsecratedgarmentsuponaheap,stillthatwouldhelpusnothing;forallthatisadeadthingwhichcansanctifynobody.ButGod'sWordisthetreasurewhichsanctifieseverything,andbywhichevenallthesaintsthemselvesweresanctified.Atwhateverhour,then,God'sWordistaught,preached,heard,readormeditatedupon,theretheperson,day,andwork

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aresanctifiedthereby,notbecauseoftheexternalwork,butbecauseoftheWord,whichmakessaintsofusall.92]ThereforeIconstantlysaythatallourlifeandworkmustbeorderedaccordingtoGod'sWord,ifitistobeGod‐pleasingorholy.Wherethisisdone,thiscommandmentisinforceandbeingfulfilled.93]Onthecontrary,anyobservanceorworkthatispractisedwithoutGod'sWordisunholybeforeGod,nomatterhowbrilliantlyitmayshine,eventhoughitbecoveredwithrelics,suchasthefictitiousspiritualorders,whichknownothingofGod'sWordandseekholinessintheirownworks.94]Note,therefore,thattheforceandpowerofthiscommandmentliesnotintheresting,butinthesanctifying,sothattothisdaybelongsaspecialholyexercise.Forotherworksandoccupationsarenotproperlycalledholyexercises,unlessthemanhimselfbefirstholy.Buthereaworkistobedonebywhichmanishimselfmadeholy,whichisdone(aswehaveheard)alonethroughGod'sWord.Forthis,then,fixedplaces,times,persons,andtheentireexternalorderofworshiphavebeencreatedandappointed,sothatitmaybepubliclyinoperation.95]Since,therefore,somuchdependsuponGod'sWordthatwithoutitnoholydaycanbesanctified,wemustknowthatGodinsistsuponastrictobservanceofthiscommandment,andwillpunishallwhodespiseHisWordandarenotwillingtohearandlearnit,especiallyatthetimeappointedforthepurpose.96]Thereforenotonlythosesinagainstthiscommandmentwhogrosslymisuseanddesecratetheholyday,asthosewhoonaccountoftheirgreedorfrivolityneglecttohearGod'sWordorlieintavernsandaredeaddrunklikeswine;butalsothatothercrowd,wholistentoGod'sWordastoanyothertrifle,andonlyfromcustomcometopreaching,andgoawayagain,andattheendoftheyearknowaslittleofitasatthebeginning.97]ForhithertotheopinionprevailedthatyouhadproperlyhallowedSundaywhenyouhadheardamassortheGospelread;butnoonecaredforGod'sWord,asalsonoonetaughtit.Now,whilewehaveGod'sWord,weneverthelessdonotcorrecttheabuse;wesufferourselvestobepreachedtoandadmonished,butwelistenwithoutseriousnessandcare.98]Know,therefore,thatyoumustbeconcernednotonlyabouthearing,butalsoaboutlearningandretainingitinmemory,anddonotthinkthatitisoptionalwithyouorofnogreatimportance,butthatitisGod'scommandment,whowillrequireofyouhowyouhaveheard,learned,andhonoredHisWord.99]Likewisethosefastidiousspiritsaretobereprovedwho,whentheyhaveheardasermonortwo,findittediousanddull,thinkingthattheyknowallthatwellenough,andneednomoreinstruction.Forjustthatisthesinwhichhasbeenhithertoreckonedamongmortalsins,andiscalledajkhdia,i.e.,torpororsatiety,amalignant,dangerousplaguewithwhichthedevilbewitchesanddeceivestheheartsofmany,thathemaysurpriseusandsecretlywithdrawGod'sWordfromus.100]Forletmetellyouthis,eventhoughyouknowitperfectlyandbealreadymasterinallthings,stillyouaredailyinthedominionofthedevil,whoceasesneitherdaynornighttostealunawaresuponyou,tokindleinyourheartunbeliefandwickedthoughtsagainsttheforegoingandallthecommandments.ThereforeyoumustalwayshaveGod'sWordinyourheart,uponyourlips,andinyourears.Butwheretheheartisidle,andtheWorddoesnot

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sound,hebreaksinandhasdonethedamagebeforeweareaware.101]Ontheotherhand,suchistheefficacyoftheWord,wheneveritisseriouslycontemplated,heard,andused,thatitisboundnevertobewithoutfruit,butalwaysawakensnewunderstanding,pleasure,anddevoutness,andproducesapureheartandpurethoughts.Forthesewordsarenotinoperativeordead,butcreative,livingwords.102]Andeventhoughnootherinterestornecessityimpelus,yetthisoughttourgeeveryonethereunto,becausetherebythedevilisputtoRightanddrivenaway,and,besides,thiscommandmentisfulfilled,and[thisexerciseintheWord]ismorepleasingtoGodthananyworkofhypocrisy,howeverbrilliant.Backtotop

The Fourth Commandment. 103]Thusfarwehavelearnedthefirstthreecommandments,whichrelatetoGod.First,thatwithourwholeheartwetrustinHim,andfearandloveHimthroughoutallourlife.Secondly,thatwedonotmisuseHisholynameinthesupportoffalsehoodoranybadwork,butemployittothepraiseofGodandtheprofitandsalvationofourneighborandourselves.Thirdly,thatonholidaysandwhenatrestwediligentlytreatandurgeGod'sWord,sothatallouractionsandourentirelifebeorderedaccordingtoit.Nowfollowtheotherseven,whichrelatetoourneighbor,amongwhichthefirstandgreatestis:104]Thoushalthonorthyfatherandthymother.105]TothisestateoffatherhoodandmotherhoodGodhasgiventhespecialdistinctionaboveallestatesthatarebeneathitthatHenotsimplycommandsustoloveourparents,buttohonorthem.Forwithrespecttobrothers,sisters,andourneighborsingeneralHecommandsnothinghigherthanthatwelovethem,sothatHeseparatesanddistinguishesfatherandmotheraboveallotherpersonsuponearth,andplacesthematHisside.106]Foritisafarhigherthingtohonorthantoloveone,inasmuchasitcomprehendsnotonlylove,butalsomodesty,humility,anddeferenceastoamajestytherehidden,107]andrequiresnotonlythattheybeaddressedkindlyandwithreverence,but,mostofall,thatbothinheartandwiththebodywesoactastoshowthatweesteemthemveryhighly,andthat,nexttoGod,weregardthemastheveryhighest.Foronewhomwearetohonorfromtheheartwemusttrulyregardashighandgreat.108]Wemust,therefore,impressitupontheyoungthattheyshouldregardtheirparentsasinGod'sstead,andrememberthathoweverlowly,poor,frail,andqueertheymaybe,neverthelesstheyarefatherandmothergiventhembyGod.Theyarenottobedeprivedoftheirhonorbecauseoftheirconductortheirfailings.Thereforewearenottoregardtheirpersons,howtheymaybe,butthewillofGodwhohasthuscreatedandordained.Inotherrespectsweare,indeed,allalikeintheeyesofGod;butamongustheremustnecessarilybesuchinequalityandordereddifference,andthereforeGodcommandsittobeobserved,thatyouobeymeasyourfather,andthatIhavethesupremacy.109]Learn,therefore,first,whatisthehonortowardsparentsrequiredbythiscommandment,towit,thattheybeheldindistinctionandesteemaboveallthings,asthemostprecioustreasureonearth.110]Furthermore,thatalsoinourwordsweobservemodestytowardthem,donotaccostthemroughly,haughtily,anddefiantly,butyieldtothemandbesilent,eventhoughtheygotoofar.111]Thirdly,thatweshowthemsuchhonor

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alsobyworks,thatis,withourbodyandpossessions,thatweservethem,helpthem,andprovideforthemwhentheyareold,sick,infirm,orpoor,andallthatnotonlygladly,butwithhumilityandreverence,asdoingitbeforeGod.Forhewhoknowshowtoregardtheminhisheartwillnotallowthemtosufferwantorhunger,butwillplacethemabovehimandathisside,andwillsharewiththemwhateverhehasandpossesses.112]Secondly,noticehowgreat,good,andholyaworkishereassignedchildren,whichis,alas!Utterlyneglectedanddisregarded,andnooneperceivesthatGodhascommandedit,orthatitisaholy,divineWordanddoctrine.Forifithadbeenregardedassuch,everyonecouldhaveinferredthattheymustbeholymenwholiveaccordingtothesewords.Thustherewouldhavebeennoneedofinventingmonasticismnorspiritualorders,buteverychildwouldhaveabidedbythiscommandment,andcouldhavedirectedhisconsciencetoGodandsaid:"IfIamtodogoodandholyworks,Iknowofnonebetterthantorenderallhonorandobediencetomyparents,becauseGodhasHimselfcommandedit.113]ForwhatGodcommandsmustbemuchandfarnoblerthaneverythingthatwemaydeviseourselves;andsincethereisnohigherorbetterteachertobefoundthanGod,therecanbenobetterdoctrine,indeed,thanHegivesforth.Now,Heteachesfullywhatweshoulddoifwewishtoperformtrulygoodworks;andbycommandingthem,HeshowsthattheypleaseHim.If,then,itisGodwhocommandsthis,andwhoknowsnothowtoappointanythingbetter,Iwillneverimproveuponit."114]Behold,inthismannerwewouldhavehadagodlychildproperlytaught,rearedintrueblessedness,andkeptathomeinobediencetohisparentsandintheirservice,sothatmenshouldhavehadblessingandjoyfromthespectacle.However,God'scommandmentwasnotpermittedtobethus[withsuchcareanddiligence]commended,buthadtobeneglectedandtrampledunderfoot,sothatachildcouldnotlayittoheart,andmeanwhilegaped[likeapantingwolf]atthedeviceswhichwesetup,withoutonce[consultingor]givingreverencetoGod.115]Letus,therefore,learnatlast,forGod'ssake,that,placingallotherthingsoutofsight,ouryouthslookfirsttothiscommandment,iftheywishtoserveGodwithtrulygoodworks,thattheydowhatispleasingtotheirfathersandmothers,ortothosetowhomtheymaybesubjectintheirstead.Foreverychildthatknowsanddoesthishas,inthefirstplace,thisgreatconsolationinhisheart,thathecanjoyfullysayandboast(inspiteofandagainstallwhoareoccupiedwithworksoftheirownchoice):"Behold,thisworkiswellpleasingtomyGodinheaven,thatIknowforcertain."116]Letthemallcometogetherwiththeirmanygreat,distressing,anddifficultworksandmaketheirboast;wewillseewhethertheycanshowonethatisgreaterandnoblerthanobediencetofatherandmother,towhomGodhasappointedandcommandedobediencenexttoHisownmajesty;sothatifGod'sWordandwillareinforceandbeingaccomplished,nothingshallbeesteemedhigherthanthewillandwordofparents;yetsothatit,too,issubordinatedtoobediencetowardGodandisnotopposedtotheprecedingcommandments.117]ThereforeyoushouldbeheartilygladandthankGodthatHehaschosenyouandmadeyouworthytodoaworksopreciousandpleasingtoHim.Onlyseethat,althoughitberegardedasthemosthumbleanddespised,youesteemitgreatandprecious,notonaccountofourworthiness,butbecauseitiscomprehendedin,andcontrolledby,thejewelandsanctuary,namely,theWordandcommandmentofGod.118]Oh,whatahighpricewouldallCarthusians,monks,andnunspay,ifinalltheirreligiousdoingstheycouldbringintoGod'spresenceasingleworkdonebyvirtueofHiscommandment,andbeablebeforeHis

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facetosaywithjoyfulheart:"NowIknowthatthisworkiswellpleasingtoThee."WherewillthesepoorwretchedpersonshidewheninthesightofGodandalltheworldtheyshallblushwithshamebeforeayoungchildwhohaslivedaccordingtothiscommandment,andshallhavetoconfessthatwiththeirwholelifetheyarenotworthytogiveitadrinkofwater?119]AnditservesthemrightfortheirdevilishperversionintreadingGod'scommandmentunderfootthattheymustvainlytormentthemselveswithworksoftheirowndevice,and,inaddition,havescornandlossfortheirreward.120]Shouldnottheheart,then,leapandmeltforjoywhengoingtoworkanddoingwhatiscommanded,saying:Lo,thisisbetterthanallholinessoftheCarthusians,eventhoughtheykillthemselvesfastingandprayingupontheirkneeswithoutceasing?ForhereyouhaveasuretextandadivinetestimonythatHehasenjoinedthis;butconcerningtheotherHedidnotcommandaword.Butthisistheplightandmiserableblindnessoftheworldthatnoonebelievesthesethings;tosuchanextentthedevilhasdeceiveduswithfalseholinessandtheglamourofourownworks.121]ThereforeIwouldbeveryglad(Isayitagain)ifmenwouldopentheireyesandears,andtakethistoheart,lestsometimewemayagainbeledastrayfromthepureWordofGodtothelyingvanitiesofthedevil.Then,too,allwouldbewell;forparentswouldhavemorejoy,love,friendship,andconcordintheirhouses;thusthechildrencouldcaptivatetheirparents'hearts.122]Ontheotherhand,whentheyareobstinate,andwillnotdowhattheyoughtuntilarodislaidupontheirback,theyangerbothGodandtheirparents,wherebytheydeprivethemselvesofthistreasureandjoyofconscience,andlayupforthemselvesonlymisfortune.123]Therefore,aseveryonecomplains,thecourseoftheworldnowissuchthatbothyoungandoldarealtogetherdissoluteandbeyondcontrol,havenoreverencenorsenseofhonor,donothingexceptastheyaredriventoitbyblows,andperpetratewhatwronganddetractiontheycanbehindeachother'sback;thereforeGodalsopunishesthem,thattheysinkintoallkindsoffilthandmisery.124]Asarule,theparents,too,arethemselvesstupidandignorant;onefooltrains[teaches]another,andastheyhavelived,solivetheirchildrenafterthem.125]This,now,Isayshouldbethefirstandmostimportantconsiderationtourgeustotheobservanceofthiscommandment;onwhichaccount,evenifwehadnofatherandmother,weoughttowishthatGodwouldsetupwoodandstonebeforeus,whomwemightcallfatherandmother.Howmuchmore,sinceHehasgivenuslivingparents,shouldwerejoicetoshowthemhonorandobedience,becauseweknowitissohighlypleasingtotheDivineMajestyandtoallangels,andvexesalldevils,andis,besides,126]thehighestworkwhichwecando,afterthesublimedivineworshipcomprehendedinthepreviouscommandments;sothatgivingofalmsandeveryothergoodworktowardourneighborarenotequaltothis.ForGodhasassignedthisestatethehighestplace,yea,hassetitupinHisownstead,uponearth.ThiswillandpleasureofGodoughttobeasufficientreasonandincentivetoustodowhatwecanwithgoodwillandpleasure.127]Besidesthis,itisourdutybeforetheworldtobegratefulforbenefitsandeverygoodwhichwehaveofourparents.128]Buthereagainthedevilrulesintheworld,sothatthechildrenforgettheirparents,asweallforgetGod,andnooneconsidershowGodnourishes,protects,anddefendsus,andbestowssomuchgoodonbodyandsoul;especiallywhenanevilhourcomes,weareangryandgrumblewithimpatience,andallthegoodwhichwehavereceivedthroughoutourlifeiswipedout[fromourmemory].Justsowedoalsowithourparents,andthereisnochildthatunderstandsandconsidersthis[whattheparentshave

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enduredwhilenourishingandfosteringhim],excepttheHolyGhostgranthimthisgrace.129]Godknowsverywellthisperversenessoftheworld;thereforeHeadmonishesandurgesbycommandmentsthateveryoneconsiderwhathisparentshavedoneforhim,andhewillfindthathehasfromthembodyandlife,moreover,thathehasbeenfedandrearedwhenotherwisehewouldhaveperishedahundredtimesinhisownfilth.130]Thereforeitisatrueandgoodsayingofoldandwisemen:Deo,parentibusetmagistrisnonpotestsatisgratiaerependi,thatis,ToGod,toparents,andtoteacherswecanneverrendersufficientgratitudeandcompensation.Hethatregardsandconsidersthiswillindeedwithoutcompulsiondoallhonortohisparents,andbearthemuponhishandsasthosethroughwhomGodhasdonehimallgood.131]Overandaboveallthis,anothergreatreasonthatshouldinciteusthemore[toobediencetothiscommandment]isthatGodattachestothiscommandmentatemporalpromiseandsays:ThatthoumayestlivelonguponthelandwhichtheLord,thyGod,giveththee.132]HereyoucanseeyourselfhowmuchGodisinearnestinrespecttothiscommandment,inasmuchasHenotonlydeclaresthatitiswellpleasingtoHim,andthatHehasjoyanddelighttherein;butalsothatitshallbeforoutprosperityandpromoteourhighestgood;sothatwemayhaveapleasantandagreeablelife,furnishedwitheverygoodthing.133]ThereforealsoSt.Paulgreatlyemphasizesthesameandrejoicesinitwhenhesays,Eph.6,2.3:Thisisthefirstcommandmentwithpromise:Thatitmaybewellwiththee,andthoumayestlivelongontheearth.Foralthoughtherestalsohavetheirpromisescontainedinthem,yetinnoneisitsoplainlyandexplicitlystated.134]Here,then,youhavethefruitandthereward,thatwhoeverobservesthiscommandmentshallhavehappydays,fortune,andprosperity;andontheotherhand,thepunishment,thatwhoeverisdisobedientshallthesoonerperish,andneverenjoylife.FortohavelonglifeinthesenseoftheScripturesisnotonlytobecomeold,buttohaveeverythingwhichbelongstolonglife,suchashealth,wife,andchildren,livelihood,peace,goodgovernment,etc.,withoutwhichthislifecanneitherbeenjoyedincheerfulnessnorlongendure.135]If,therefore,youwillnotobeyfatherandmotherandsubmittotheirdiscipline,thenobeythehangman;ifyouwillnotobeyhim,thensubmittotheskeleton‐man,i.e.,death[deaththeall‐subduer,theteacherofwickedchildren].136]ForonthisGodinsistsperemptorily:EitherifyouobeyHim,renderingloveandservice,Hewillrewardyouabundantlywithallgood,orifyouoffendHim,Hewillsenduponyoubothdeathandthehangman.137]Whencecomesomanyknavesthatmustdailybehanged,beheaded,brokenuponthewheel,butfromdisobedience[toparents],becausetheywillnotsubmittodisciplineinkindness,sothat,bythepunishmentofGod,theybringitaboutthatwebeholdtheirmisfortuneandgrief?Foritseldomhappensthatsuchperversepeopledieanaturalortimelydeath.Butthegodlyandobedienthavethisblessing,thattheylivelonginpleasantquietness,andseetheirchildren'schildren(assaidabove)tothethirdandfourthgeneration.138]Thusexperiencealsoteaches,thatwheretherearehonorable,oldfamilieswhofarewellandhavemanychildren,theyowetheirorigintothefact,tobesure,thatsomeofthem

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werebroughtupwellandwereregardfuloftheirparents.Ontheotherhand,itiswrittenofthewicked,Ps.109,13:Lethisposteritybecutoff;andinthegenerationfollowinglettheirnamebeblottedout.139]ThereforeheedwellhowgreatathinginGod'ssightobedienceis,sinceHesohighlyesteemsit,issohighlypleasedwithit,andrewardsitsorichly,andbesidesenforcespunishmentsorigorouslyonthosewhoactcontrariwise.140]AllthisIsaythatitmaybewellimpressedupontheyoung.Fornoonebelieveshownecessarythiscommandmentis,althoughithasnotbeenesteemedandtaughthithertounderthepapacy.Thesearesimpleandeasywords,andeverybodythinksheknewthemafore;thereforemenpassthemlightlyby,aregapingafterothermatters,anddonotseeandbelievethatGodissogreatlyoffendediftheybedisregarded,northatonedoesaworksowellpleasingandpreciousifhefollowsthem.141]Inthiscommandmentbelongsafurtherstatementregardingallkindsofobediencetopersonsinauthoritywhohavetocommandandtogovern.Forallauthorityflowsandispropagatedfromtheauthorityofparents.Forwhereafatherisunablealonetoeducatehis[rebelliousandirritable]child,heemploysaschoolmastertoinstructhim;ifhebetooweak,heenliststheaidofhisfriendsandneighbors;ifhedepartsthislife,hedelegatesandconfershisauthorityandgovernmentuponotherswhoareappointedforthepurpose.142]Likewise,hemusthavedomestics,man‐servantsandmaid‐servants,underhimselfforthemanagementofthehousehold,sothatallwhomwecallmastersareintheplaceofparentsandmustderivetheirpowerandauthoritytogovernfromthem.HencealsotheyareallcalledfathersintheScriptures,asthosewhointheirgovernmentperformthefunctionsofafather,andshouldhaveapaternalhearttowardtheirsubordinates.AsalsofromantiquitytheRomansandothernationscalledthemastersandmistressesofthehouseholdpatresetmatres‐familiae,thatis,housefathersandhousemothers.Soalsotheycalledtheirnationalrulersandoverlordspatrespatriae,thatis,fathersoftheentirecountry,foragreatshametouswhowouldbeChristiansthatwedonotlikewisecallthemso,or,atleast,donotesteemandhonorthemassuch.143]Now,whatachildowestofatherandmother,thesameoweallwhoareembracedinthehousehold.Thereforeman‐servantsandmaid‐servantsshouldbecarefulnotonlytobeobedienttotheirmastersandmistresses,butalsotohonorthemastheirownfathersandmothers,andtodoeverythingwhichtheyknowisexpectedofthem,notfromcompulsionandwithreluctance,butwithpleasureandjoyforthecausejustmentioned,namely,thatitisGod'scommandandispleasingtoHimaboveallotherworks.144]Thereforetheyoughtrathertopaywagesinadditionandbegladthattheymayobtainmastersandmistressestohavesuchjoyfulconsciencesandtoknowhowtheymaydotrulygoldenworks;amatterwhichhashithertobeenneglectedanddespised,when,instead,everybodyran,inthedevil'sname,intoconventsortopilgrimagesandindulgences,withloss[oftimeandmoney]andwithanevilconscience.145]Ifthistruth,then,couldbeimpresseduponthepoorpeople,aservant‐girlwouldleapandpraiseandthankGod;andwithhertidyworkforwhichshereceivessupportandwagesshewouldacquiresuchatreasureasallthatareesteemedthegreatestsaintshavenotobtained.Isitnotanexcellentboasttoknowandsaythat,ifyouperformyourdailydomestictask,thisisbetterthanallthesanctityandasceticlifeofmonks?146]Andyouhavethepromise,inaddition,thatyoushallprosperinallgoodandfarewell.Howcanyouleadamoreblessedorholierlifeasfarasyourworksareconcerned?147]ForinthesightofGodfaithiswhatreallyrendersapersonholy,andaloneservesHim,buttheworksareforthe

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serviceofman.148]Thereyouhaveeverythinggood,protectionanddefenseintheLord,ajoyfulconscienceandagraciousGodbesides,whowillrewardyouahundredfold,sothatyouareevenanoblemanifyoubeonlypiousandobedient.Butifnot,youhave,inthefirstplace,nothingbutthewrathanddispleasureofGod,nopeaceofheart,andafterwardsallmannerofplaguesandmisfortunes.149]Whoeverwillnotbeinfluencedbythisandinclinedtogodlinesswehandovertothehangmanandtotheskeleton‐man.ThereforeleteveryonewhoallowshimselftobeadvisedrememberthatGodisnotmakingsport,andknowthatitisGodwhospeakswithyouanddemandsobedience.IfyouobeyHim,youareHisdearchild;butifyoudespisetodoit,thentakeshame,misery,andgriefforyourreward.150]Thesamealsoistobesaidofobediencetocivilgovernment,which(aswehavesaid)isallembracedintheestateoffatherhoodandextendsfarthestofallrelations.Forherethefatherisnotoneofasinglefamily,butofasmanypeopleashehastenants,citizens,orsubjects.Forthroughthem,asthroughourparents,Godgivestousfood,houseandhome,protectionandsecurity.Therefore,sincetheybearsuchnameandtitlewithallhonorastheirhighestdignity,itisourdutytohonorthemandtoesteemthemgreatasthedearesttreasureandthemostpreciousjeweluponearth.151]He,now,whoisobedienthere,iswillingandreadytoserve,andcheerfullydoesallthatpertainstohonor,knowsthatheispleasingGodandthathewillreceivejoyandhappinessforhisreward.Ifhewillnotdoitinlove,butdespisesandresists[authority]orrebels,lethimalsoknow,ontheotherhand,thatheshallhavenofavornorblessing,andwherehethinkstogainaflorinthereby,hewillelsewherelosetentimesasmuch,orbecomeavictimtothehangman,perishbywar,pestilence,andfamine,orexperiencenogoodinhischildren,andbeobligedtosufferinjury,injustice,andviolenceatthehandsofhisservants,neighbors,orstrangersandtyrants;sothatwhatweseekanddeserveispaidbackandcomeshometous.152]IfwewouldeversufferourselvestobepersuadedthatsuchworksarepleasingtoGodandhavesorichareward,wewouldbeestablishedinaltogetherabundantpossessionsandhavewhatourheartdesires.ButbecausethewordandcommandofGodaresolightlyesteemed,asthoughsomebabblerhadspokenit,letusseewhetheryouarethemantoopposeHim.Howdifficult,doyouthink,itwillbeforHimtorecompenseyou!Thereforeyouwouldcertainlylivemuchbetterwiththedivinefavor,peace,andhappinessthanwithHisdispleasureandmisfortune.154]Why,thinkyou,istheworldnowsofullofunfaithfulness,disgrace,calamity,andmurder,butbecauseeveryonedesirestobehisownmasterandfreefromtheemperor,tocarenothingforanyone,anddowhatpleaseshim?ThereforeGodpunishesoneknavebyanother,sothat,whenyoudefraudanddespiseyourmaster,anothercomesanddealsinlikemannerwithyou,yea,inyourhouseholdyoumustsuffertentimesmorefromwife,children,orservants.155]Indeed,wefeelourmisfortune,wemurmurandcomplainofunfaithfulness,violence,andinjustice,butwillnotseethatweourselvesareknaveswhohavefullydeservedthispunishment,andyetarenottherebyreformed.Wewillhavenofavorandhappiness,thereforeitisbutfairthatwehavenothingbutmisfortunewithoutmercy.156]TheremuststillbesomewhereuponearthsomegodlypeoplebecauseGodcontinuestograntussomuchgood!Onourownaccountweshouldnothaveafarthinginthehousenorastrawinthefield.157]AllthisIhavebeenobligedtourgewithsomanywords,inhopethatsomeonemaytakeittoheart,thatwemayberelievedoftheblindnessandmiseryinwhichweare

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steepedsodeeply,andmaytrulyunderstandtheWordandwillofGod,andearnestlyacceptit.Forthencewewouldlearnhowwecouldhavejoy,happiness,andsalvationenough,bothtemporalandeternal.158]Thuswehavetwokindsoffatherspresentedinthiscommandment,fathersinbloodandfathersinoffice,orthosetowhombelongsthecareofthefamily,andthosetowhombelongsthecareofthecountry.Besidesthesethereareyetspiritualfathers;notlikethoseinthePapacy,whohaveindeedhadthemselvescalledthus,buthaveperformednofunctionofthepaternaloffice.ForthoseonlyarecalledspiritualfatherswhogovernandguideusbytheWordofGod;159]asSt.Paulboastshisfatherhood1Cor.4,15,wherehesays:InChristJesusIhavebegottenyouthroughtheGospel.Now,160]sincetheyarefatherstheyareentitledtotheirhonor,evenaboveallothers.Buthereitisbestowedleast;forthewaywhichtheworldknowsforhonoringthemistodrivethemoutofthecountryandtogrudgethemapieceofbread,and,inshort,theymustbe(assaysSt.Paul,1Cor.4,13)asthefilthoftheworldandeverybody'srefuseandfootrag.161]Yetthereisneedthatthisalsobeurgeduponthepopulace,thatthosewhowouldbeChristiansareunderobligationinthesightOfGodtoesteemthemworthyofdoublehonorwhoministertotheirsouls,thattheydealwellwiththemandprovideforthem.Forthat,Godiswillingtoaddtoyousufficientblessingandwillnotletyoucometowant.162]Butinthismattereveryonerefusesandresists,andallareafraidthattheywillperishfrombodilywant,andcannotnowsupportonerespectablepreacher,whereformerlytheyfilledtenfatpaunches.163]InthiswealsodeservethatGoddepriveusofHisWordandblessing,andagainallowpreachersofliestoarisetoleadustothedevil,and,inaddition,todrainoursweatandblood.164]ButthosewhokeepinsightGod'swillandcommandmenthavethepromisethateverythingwhichtheybestowupontemporalandspiritualfathers,andwhatevertheydotohonorthem,shallberichlyrecompensedtothem,sothattheyshallhave,notbread,clothing,andmoneyforayearortwo,butlonglife,support,andpeace,andshallbeeternallyrichandblessed.165]Thereforeonlydowhatisyourduty,andletGodtakecarehowHeistosupportyouandprovideforyousufficiently.SinceHehaspromisedit,andhasneveryetlied,Hewillnotbefoundlyingtoyou.166]Thisoughtindeedtoencourageus,andgiveusheartsthatwouldmeltinpleasureandlovetowardthosetowhomweowehonor,sothatwewouldraiseourhandsandjoyfullythankGodwhohasgivenussuchpromises,forwhichweoughttoruntotheendsoftheworld[totheremotestpartsofIndia].Foralthoughthewholeworldshouldcombine,itcouldnotaddanhourtoourlifeorgiveusasinglegrainfromtheearth.ButGodwishestogiveyouallexceedingabundantlyaccordingtoyourheart'sdesire.HewhodespisesandcaststhistothewindsisnotworthyevertohearawordofGod.Thishasnowbeenstatedmorethanenoughforallwhobelongunderthiscommandment.167]Inaddition,itwouldbewelltopreachtotheparentsalso,andsuchasbeartheiroffice,astohowtheyshoulddeportthemselvestowardthosewhoarecommittedtothemfortheirgovernment.ForalthoughthisisnotexpressedintheTenCommandments,itisneverthelessabundantlyenjoinedinmanyplacesintheScripture.AndGoddesirestohaveitembracedinthiscommandmentwhenHespeaksoffatherandmother.168]ForHedoesnotwishtohaveinthisofficeandgovernmentknavesandtyrants;nordoesHeassigntothemthishonor,thatis,powerandauthoritytogovern,thattheyshouldhavethemselvesworshiped;butthey

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shouldconsiderthattheyareunderobligationsofobediencetoGod;andthat,firstofall,theyshouldearnestlyandfaithfullydischargetheiroffice,notonlytosupportandprovideforthebodilynecessitiesoftheirchildren,servants,subjects,etc.,but,mostofall,totrainthemtothehonorandpraiseofGod.169]Thereforedonotthinkthatthisislefttoyourpleasureandarbitrarywill,butthatitisastrictcommandandinjunctionofGod,towhomalsoyoumustgiveaccountforit.170]Buthereagainthesadplightarisesthatnooneperceivesorheedsthis,andallliveonasthoughGodgaveuschildrenforourpleasureoramusement,andservantsthatweshouldemploythemlikeacoworass,onlyforwork,orasthoughwewereonlytogratifyourwantonnesswithoursubjects,ignoringthem,asthoughitwerenoconcernofourswhattheylearnorhowtheylive;171]andnooneiswillingtoseethatthisisthecommandoftheSupremeMajesty,whowillmoststrictlycallustoaccountandpunishusforit;northatthereissogreatneedtobesoseriouslyconcernedabouttheyoung.172]Forifwewishtohaveexcellentandaptpersonsbothforcivilandecclesiasticalgovernment,wemustsparenodiligence,time,orcostinteachingandeducatingourchildren,thattheymayserveGodandtheworld,173]andwemustnotthinkonlyhowwemayamassmoneyandpossessionsforthem.ForGodcanindeedwithoutussupportandmakethemrich,asHedailydoes.ButforthispurposeHehasgivenuschildren,andissuedthiscommandthatweshouldtrainandgovernthemaccordingtoHiswill,elseHewouldhavenoneedoffatherandmother.Leteveryoneknow,therefore,thatitishisduty,onperiloflosingthedivinefavor,tobringuphischildrenaboveallthingsinthefearandknowledgeofGod,andiftheyaretalented,havethemlearnandstudysomething,174]thattheymaybeemployedforwhateverneedthereis[tohavetheminstructedandtrainedinaliberaleducation,thatmenmaybeabletohavetheiraidingovernmentandinwhateverisnecessary].175]Ifthatweredone,Godwouldalsorichlyblessusandgiveusgracetotrainmenbywhomlandandpeoplemightbeimproved,andlikewisewell‐educatedcitizens,chasteanddomesticwives,whoafterwardswouldreargodlychildrenandservants.176]Hereconsidernowwhatdeadlyinjuryyouaredoingifyoubenegligentandfailonyourparttobringupyourchildtousefulnessandpiety,andhowyoubringuponyourselfallsinandwrath,thusearninghellbyyourownchildren,eventhoughyoubeotherwisepiousandholy.177]Andbecausethisisdisregarded,Godsofearfullypunishestheworldthatthereisnodiscipline,government,orpeace,ofwhichweallcomplain,butdonotseethatitisourfault;foraswetrainthem,wehavespoiledanddisobedientchildrenandsubjects.Letthisbesufficientexhortation;fortodrawthisoutatlengthbelongstoanothertime.Backtotop

The Fifth Commandment. 179]Thoushaltnotkill.180]Wehavenowcompletedboththespiritualandthetemporalgovernment,thatis,thedivineandthepaternalauthorityandobedience.Butherenowwegoforthfromourhouseamongourneighborstolearnhowweshouldlivewithoneanother,everyonehimselftowardhisneighbor.181]ThereforeGodandgovernmentarenotincludedinthiscommandment,noristhepowertokill,whichtheyhave,takenaway.ForGodhasdelegatedHisauthoritytopunishevil‐doerstothegovernmentinsteadofparents,whoaforetime(as

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wereadinMoses)wererequiredtobringtheirownchildrentojudgmentandsentencethemtodeath.Therefore,whatishereforbiddenisforbiddentotheindividualinhisrelationtoanyoneelse,andnottothegovernment.182]Nowthiscommandmentiseasyenough,andhasbeenoftentreated,becausewehearitannuallyintheGospelofSt.Matthew,5,21ff,whereChristHimselfexplainsandsumsitup,namely,thatwemustnotkill,neitherwithhand,heart,mouth,signs,gestures,help,norcounsel.Thereforeitishereforbiddentoeveryonetobeangry,exceptthose(aswesaid)whoareintheplaceofGod,thatis,parentsandthegovernment.ForitisproperforGodandforeveryonewhoisinadivineestatetobeangry,toreproveandpunish,namely,onaccountofthoseverypersonswhotransgressthisandtheothercommandments.183]ButthecauseandneedofthiscommandmentisthatGodwellknowsthattheworldisevil,andthatthislifehasmuchunhappiness;thereforeHehasplacedthisandtheothercommandmentsbetweenthegoodandtheevil.Now,astherearemanyassaultsuponallcommandments,soithappensalsointhiscommandmentthatwemustliveamongmanypeoplewhodousharm,sothatwehavecausetobehostiletothem.184]Aswhenyourneighborseesthatyouhaveabetterhouseandhome[alargerfamilyandmorefertilefields],greaterpossessionsandfortunefromGodthanhe,heissulky,enviesyou,andspeaksnogoodofyou.Thusbythedevil'sincitementyouwillgetmanyenemieswhocannotbeartoseeyouhaveanygood,eitherbodilyorspiritual.Whenweseesuchpeople,ourhearts,inturn,wouldrageandbleedandtakevengeance.Thentherearisecursingandblows,fromwhichfollowfinallymiseryandmurder.Here,now,Godlikeakindfatherstepsinaheadofus,interposesandwishestohavethequarrelsettled,thatnomisfortunecomeofit,noronedestroyanother.Andbriefly,Hewouldherebyprotect,setfree,andkeepinpeaceeveryoneagainstthecrimeandviolenceofeveryoneelse;andwouldhavethiscommandmentplacedasawall,fortress,andrefugeaboutourneighbor,thatwedohimnohurtnorharminhisbody.186]Thusthiscommandmentaimsatthis,thatnooneoffendhisneighboronaccountofanyevildeed,eventhoughhehavefullydeservedit.Forwheremurderisforbidden,allcausealsoisforbiddenwhencemurdermayoriginate.Formanyaone,althoughhedoesnotkill,yetcursesanduttersawish,whichwouldstopapersonfromrunningfarifitweretostrikehimintheneck[makesimprecations,whichiffulfilledwithrespecttoanyone,hewouldnotlivelong].187]Now,sincethisinheresineveryonebynatureanditisacommonpractisethatnooneiswillingtosufferatthehandsofanother,Godwishestoremovetherootandsourcebywhichtheheartisembitteredagainstourneighbor,andtoaccustomusevertokeepinviewthiscommandment,alwaystocontemplateourselvesinitasinamirror,toregardthewillofGod,andwithheartyconfidenceandinvocationofHisnametocommittoHimthewrongwhichwesuffer.Thusweshallsufferourenemiestorageandbeangry,doingwhattheycan,andwelearntocalmourwrath,andtohaveapatient,gentleheart,especiallytowardthosewhogiveuscausetobeangry,thatis,ourenemies.188]Thereforetheentiresumofwhatitmeansnottokillistobeimpressedmostexplicitlyuponthesimpleminded.Inthefirstplace,thatweharmnoone,first,withourhandorbydeed.Then,thatwedonotemployourtonguetoinstigateorcounselthereto.Further,thatweneitherusenorassenttoanykindofmeansormethodswherebyanyonemaybeinjured.Andfinally,thattheheartbenotilldisposedtowardanyone,norfromangerandhatred

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wishhimill,sothatbodyandsoulmaybeinnocentinregardtoeveryone,butespeciallythosewhowishyouevilorinflictsuchuponyou.Fortodoeviltoonewhowishesanddoesyougoodisnothuman,butdiabolical.189]Secondly,underthiscommandmentnotonlyheisguiltywhodoeseviltohisneighbor,buthealsowhocandohimgood,prevent,resistevil,defendandsavehim,sothatnobodilyharmorhurthappentohim,andyetdoesnotdoit.190]If,therefore,yousendawayonethatisnakedwhenyoucouldclothehim,youhavecausedhimtofreezetodeath;ifyouseeonesufferhungeranddonotgivehimfood,youhavecausedhimtostarve.Soalso,ifyouseeanyoneinnocentlysentencedtodeathorinlikedistress,anddonotsavehim,althoughyouknowwaysandmeanstodoso,youhavekilledhim.Anditwillnotavailyoutomakethepretextthatyoudidnotaffordanyhelp,counsel,oraidthereto,foryouhavewithheldyourlovefromhimanddeprivedhimofthebenefitwherebyhislifewouldhavebeensaved.191]ThereforeGodalsorightlycallsallthosemurdererswhodonotaffordcounselandhelpindistressanddangerofbodyandlife,andwillpassamostterriblesentenceupontheminthelastday,asChristHimselfhasannouncedwhenHeshallsay,Matt.25,42f:Iwasanhungred,andyegaveMenomeat;Iwasthirsty,andyegaveMenodrink;Iwasastranger,andyetookMenotin;naked,andyeclothedMenot;sickandinprison,andyevisitedMenot.Thatis:YouwouldhavesufferedMeandMinetodieofhunger,thirst,andcold,wouldhavesufferedthewildbeaststotearustopieces,orleftustorotinprisonorperishindistress.Whatelseisthatbuttoreproachthem192]asmurderersandbloodhounds?Foralthoughyouhavenotactuallydoneallthis,youhavenevertheless,sofarasyouwereconcerned,sufferedhimtopineandperishinmisfortune.ItisjustasifIsawsomeonenavigatingandlaboringindeepwater[andstrugglingagainstadversewinds]oronefallenintofire,andcouldextendtohimthehandtopullhimoutandsavehim,andyetrefusedtodoit.WhatelsewouldIappear,evenintheeyesoftheworld,thanasamurdererandacriminal?193]ThereforeitisGod'sultimatepurposethatwesufferharmtobefallnoman,butshowhimallgoodandlove;194]and,aswehavesaid,itisspeciallydirectedtowardthosewhoareourenemies.Fortodogoodtoourfriendsisbutanordinaryheathenvirtue,asChristsaysMatt.5,46.195]HerewehaveagaintheWordofGodwherebyHewouldencourageandurgeustotruenobleandsublimeworks,asgentleness,patience,and,inshort,loveandkindnesstoourenemies,andwouldeverremindustoreflectupontheFirstCommandment,thatHeisourGod,thatis,thatHewillhelp,assist,andprotectus,inorderthatHemaythusquenchthedesireofrevengeinus.196]Thisweoughttopractiseandinculcate,andwewouldhaveourhandsfulldoinggoodworks.197]Butthiswouldnotbepreachingformonks;itwouldgreatlydetractfromthereligiousestate,andinfringeuponthesanctityofCarthusians,andwouldevenberegardedasforbiddinggoodworksandclearingtheconvents.ForinthiswisetheordinarystateofChristianswouldbeconsideredjustasworthy,andevenworthier,andeverybodywouldseehowtheymockanddeludetheworldwithafalse,hypocriticalshowofholiness,becausetheyhavegiventhisandothercommandmentstothewinds,andhaveesteemedthemunnecessary,asthoughtheywerenotcommandments,butmerecounsels;andhaveatthesametimeshamelesslyproclaimedandboastedtheirhypocriticalestateandworksasthe

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mostperfectlife,inorderthattheymightleadapleasant,easylife,withoutthecrossandwithoutpatience,forwhichreason,too,theyhaveresortedtothecloisters,sothattheymightnotbeobligedtosufferanywrongfromanyoneortodohimanygood.198]Butknownowthatthesearethetrue,holy,andgodlyworks,inwhich,withalltheangels,Herejoices,incomparisonwithwhichallhumanholinessisbutstenchandfilth,and,besides,deservesnothingbutwrathanddamnation.Backtotop

The Sixth Commandment. 199]Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.200]Thesecommandmentsnow[thatfollow]areeasilyunderstoodfrom[theexplanationof]thepreceding;fortheyarealltotheeffectthatwe[becarefulto]avoiddoinganykindofinjurytoourneighbor.Buttheyarearrangedinfine[elegant]order.Inthefirstplace,theytreatofhisownperson.Thentheyproceedtothepersonnearesthim,ortheclosestpossessionnextafterhisbody,namely,hiswife,whoisonefleshandbloodwithhim,sothatwecannotinflictahigherinjuryuponhiminanygoodthatishis.Thereforeitisexplicitlyforbiddenheretobringanydisgraceuponhiminrespecttohiswife.201]Anditreallyaimsatadultery,becauseamongtheJewsitwasordainedandcommandedthateveryonemustbemarried.Thereforealsotheyoungwereearlyprovidedfor[married],sothatthevirginstatewasheldinsmallesteem,neitherwerepublicprostitutionandlewdnesstolerated(asnow).Thereforeadulterywasthemostcommonformofunchastityamongthem.202]Butbecauseamongusthereissuchashamefulmessandtheverydregsofallviceandlewdness,thiscommandmentisdirectedalsoagainstallmannerofunchastity,whateveritmaybecalled;203]andnotonlyistheexternalactforbidden,butalsoeverykindofcause,incitement,andmeans,sothattheheart,thelips,andthewholebodymaybechasteandaffordnoopportunity,help,orpersuasiontoinchastity.204]Andnotonlythis,butthatwealsomakeresistance,affordprotectionandrescuewhereverthereisdangerandneed;andagain,thatwegivehelpandcounsel,soastomaintainourneighbor'shonor.Forwheneveryouomitthiswhenyoucouldmakeresistance,orconniveatitasifitdidnotconcernyou,youareastrulyguiltyastheoneperpetratingthedeed.205]Thus,tostateitinthebriefestmanner,thereisrequiredthismuch,thateveryonebothlivechastelyhimselfandhelphisneighbordothesame,sothatGodbythiscommandmentwishestohedgeroundaboutandprotect[aswitharampart]everyspousethatnoonetrespassagainstthem.206]Butsincethiscommandmentisaimeddirectlyatthestateofmatrimonyandgivesoccasiontospeakofthesame,youmustwellunderstandandmark,first,howgloriouslyGodhonorsandextolsthisestate,inasmuchasbyHiscommandmentHebothsanctionsandguardsit.HehassanctioneditaboveintheFourthCommandment:Honorthyfatherandthymother;buthereHehas(aswesaid)hedgeditaboutandprotectedit.207]ThereforeHealsowishesustohonorit,andtomaintainandconductitasadivineandblessedestate;because,inthefirstplace,Hehasinstituteditbeforeallothers,andthereforecreatedmanandwomanseparately(asisevident),notforlewdness,butthattheyshould[legitimately]livetogether,befruitful,begetchildren,andnourishandtrainthemtothehonorofGod.208]ThereforeGodhasalsomostrichlyblessedthisestateaboveallothers,and,inaddition,

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hasbestowedonitandwrappedupiniteverythingintheworld,totheendthatthisestatemightbewellandrichlyprovidedfor.Marriedlifeisthereforenojestorpresumption;butitisanexcellentthingandamatterofdivineseriousness.ForitisofthehighestimportancetoHimthatpersonsberaisedwhomayservetheworldandpromotetheknowledgeofGod,godlyliving,andallvirtues,tofightagainstwickednessandthedevil.209]ThereforeIhavealwaystaughtthatthisestateshouldnotbedespisednorheldindisrepute,asisdonebytheblindworldandourfalseecclesiastics,butthatitberegardedaccordingtoGod'sWord,bywhichitisadornedandsanctified,sothatitisnotonlyplacedonanequalitywithotherestates,butthatitprecedesandsurpassesthemall,whethertheybethatofemperor,princes,bishops,orwhoevertheyplease.Forbothecclesiasticalandcivilestatesmusthumblethemselvesandallbefoundinthisestate,asweshallhear.210]Thereforeitisnotapeculiarestate,butthemostcommonandnoblestestate,whichpervadesallChristendom,yeawhichextendsthroughalltheworld.211]Inthesecondplace,youmustknowalsothatitisnotonlyanhonorable,butalsoanecessarystate,anditissolemnlycommandedbyGodthat,ingeneral,inallconditions,menandwomen,whowerecreatedforit,shallbefoundinthisestate;yetwithsomeexceptions(althoughfew)whomGodhasespeciallyexcepted,sothattheyarenotfitforthemarriedestate,orwhomHehasreleasedbyahigh,supernaturalgiftthattheycanmaintainchastitywithoutthisestate.212]Forwherenaturehasitscourse,asitisimplantedbyGod,itisnotpossibletoremainchastewithoutmarriage.Forfleshandbloodremainfleshandblood,andthenaturalinclinationandexcitementhavetheircoursewithoutletorhindrance,aseverybodyseesandfeels.Inorder,therefore,thatitmaybethemoreeasyinsomedegreetoavoidinchastity,Godhascommandedtheestateofmatrimony,thateveryonemayhavehisproperportionandbesatisfiedtherewith;althoughGod'sgracebesidesisrequiredinorderthattheheartalsomaybepure.213]Fromthisyouseehowthispopishrabble,priests,monks,andnuns,resistGod'sorderandcommandment,inasmuchastheydespiseandforbidmatrimony,andpresumeandvowtomaintainperpetualchastity,and,besides,deceivethesimple‐mindedwithlyingwordsandappearances[impostures].214]Fornoonehassolittleloveandinclinationtochastityasjustthosewhobecauseofgreatsanctityavoidmarriage,andeitherindulgeinopenandshamelessprostitution,orsecretlydoevenworse,sothatonedarenotspeakofit,ashas,alas!beenlearnedtoofully.215]And,inshort,eventhoughtheyabstainfromtheact,theirheartsaresofullofunchastethoughtsandevilluststhatthereisacontinualburningandsecretsuffering,whichcanbeavoidedinthemarriedlife.216]Thereforeallvowsofchastityoutofthemarriedstatearecondemnedbythiscommandment,andfreepermissionisgranted,yea,eventhecommandisgiven,toallpoorensnaredconscienceswhichhavebeendeceivedbytheirmonasticvowstoabandontheunchastestateandenterthemarriedlife,consideringthatevenifthemonasticlifeweregodly,itwouldneverthelessnotbeintheirpowertomaintainchastity,andiftheyremaininit,theymustonlysinmoreandmoreagainstthiscommandment.217]Now,Ispeakofthisinorderthattheyoungmaybesoguidedthattheyconceivealikingforthemarriedestate,andknowthatitisablessedestateandpleasingtoGod.Forinthiswaywemightinthecourseoftimebringitaboutthatmarriedlifeberestoredtohonor,andthattheremightbelessofthefilthy,dissolute,disorderlydoingswhichnowrunriottheworldoverinopenprostitutionandothershamefulvicesarisingfromdisregardofmarriedlife.218]Thereforeitisthedutyofparentsandthegovernmenttoseetoitthatouryouthbe

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broughtuptodisciplineandrespectability,andwhentheyhavecometoyearsofmaturity,toprovideforthem[tohavethemmarried]inthefearofGodandhonorably;HewouldnotfailtoaddHisblessingandgrace,sothatmenwouldhavejoyandhappinessfromthesame.219]Letmenowsayinconclusionthatthiscommandmentdemandsnotonlythateveryonelivechastelyinthought,word,anddeedinhiscondition,thatis,especiallyintheestateofmatrimony,butalsothateveryoneloveandesteemthespousegivenhimbyGod.Forwhereconjugalchastityistobemaintained,manandwifemustbyallmeanslivetogetherinloveandharmony,thatonemaycherishtheotherfromtheheartandwithentirefidelity.Forthatisoneoftheprincipalpointswhichenkindleloveanddesireofchastity,sothat,wherethisisfound,chastitywillfollowasamatterofcoursewithoutanycommand.220]ThereforealsoSt.Paulsodiligentlyexhortshusbandandwifetoloveandhonoroneanother.221]Hereyouhaveagainaprecious,yea,manyandgreatgoodworks,ofwhichyoucanjoyfullyboast,againstallecclesiasticalestates,chosenwithoutGod'sWordandcommandment.Backtotop

The Seventh Commandment. 222]Thoushaltnotsteal.223]Afteryourpersonandspousetemporalpropertycomesnext.ThatalsoGodwishestohaveprotected,andHehascommandedthatnooneshallsubtractfrom,orcurtail,hisneighbor'spossessions.224]Fortostealisnothingelsethantogetpossessionofanother'spropertywrongfully,whichbrieflycomprehendsallkindsofadvantageinallsortsoftradetothedisadvantageofourneighbor.Now,thisisindeedquiteawide‐spreadandcommonvice,butsolittleregardedandobservedthatitexceedsallmeasure,sothatifallwhoarethieves,andyetdonotwishtobecalledsuch,weretobehangedongallows,theworldwouldsoonbedevastated,andtherewouldbealackbothofexecutionersandgallows.For,aswehavejustsaid,tostealistosignifynotonlytoemptyourneighbor'scofferandpockets,buttobegraspinginthemarket,inallstores,booths,wine‐andbeer‐cellars,workshops,and,inshort,whereverthereistradingortakingandgivingofmoneyformerchandiseorlabor.225]As,forinstance,toexplainthissomewhatgrosslyforthecommonpeople,thatitmaybeseenhowgodlyweare:Whenamanservantormaid‐servantdoesnotservefaithfullyinthehouse,anddoesdamage,orallowsittobedonewhenitcouldbeprevented,orotherwiseruinsandneglectsthegoodsentrustedtohim,fromindolence,idleness,ormalice,tothespiteandvexationofmasterandmistress,andinwhateverwaythiscanbedonepurposely(forIdonotspeakofwhathappensfromoversightandagainstone'swill),youcaninayearabscondthirty,fortyflorins,whichifanotherhadtakensecretlyorcarriedaway,hewouldbehangedwiththerope.Buthereyou[whileconsciousofsuchagreattheft]mayevenbiddefianceandbecomeinsolent,andnoonedarecallyouathief.226]ThesameIsayalsoofmechanics,workmen,andday‐laborers,whoallfollowtheirwantonnotions,andneverknowenoughwaystooverchargepeople,whiletheyarelazyandunfaithfulintheirwork.Allthesearefarworsethansneak‐thieves,againstwhomwecanguardwithlocksandbolts,orwho,ifapprehended,aretreatedinsuchamannerthattheywillnotdothesameagain.Butagainstthesenoonecanguard,noonedareevenlookawryatthemoraccusethemoftheft,sothatonewouldtentimesratherlosefromhispurse.For

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herearemyneighbors,goodfriends,myownservants,fromwhomIexpectgood[everyfaithfulanddiligentservice],whodefraudmefirstofall.227]Furthermore,inthemarketandincommontradelikewise,thispractiseisinfullswingandforcetothegreatestextent,whereoneopenlydefraudsanotherwithbadmerchandise,falsemeasures,weights,coins,andbynimblenessandqueerfinancesordexteroustrickstakesadvantageofhim;likewise,whenoneoverchargesapersoninatradeandwantonlydrivesahardbargain,skinsanddistresseshim.Andwhocanrecountorthinkofallthesethings?228]Tosumup,thisisthecommonestcraftandthelargestguildonearth,andifweregardtheworldthroughoutallconditionsoflife,itisnothingelsethanavast,widestall,fullofgreatthieves.229]Thereforetheyarealsocalledswivel‐chairrobbers,land‐andhighway‐robbers,notpick‐locksandsneakthieveswhosnatchawaythereadycash,butwhositonthechair[athome]andarestyledgreatnoblemen,andhonorable,piouscitizens,andyetrobandstealunderagoodpretext.230]Yes,herewemightbesilentaboutthetriflingindividualthievesifweweretoattackthegreat,powerfularch‐thieveswithwhomlordsandprinceskeepcompany,whodailyplundernotonlyacityortwo,butallGermany.Yea,whereshouldweplacetheheadandsupremeprotectorofallthieves,theHolyChairatRomewithallitsretinue,whichhasgrabbedbytheftthewealthofalltheworld,andholdsittothisday?231]Thisis,inshort,thecourseoftheworld:whoevercanstealandrobopenlygoesfreeandsecure,unmolestedbyanyone,andevendemandsthathebehonored.Meanwhilethelittlesneak‐thieves,whohaveoncetrespassed,mustbeartheshameandpunishmenttorendertheformergodlyandhonorable.ButletthemknowthatinthesightofGodtheyarethegreatestthieves,andthatHewillpunishthemastheyareworthyanddeserve.232]Now,sincethiscommandmentissofar‐reaching[andcomprehensive],asjustindicated,itisnecessarytourgeitwellandtoexplainittothecommonpeople,nottoletthemgoonintheirwantonnessandsecurity,butalwaystoplacebeforetheireyesthewrathofGod,andinculcatethesame.ForwehavetopreachthisnottoChristians,butchieflytoknavesandscoundrels,towhomitwouldhemorefittingforjudges,jailers,orMasterHannes[theexecutioner]topreach.233]Thereforeleteveryoneknowthatitishisduty,attheriskofGod'sdispleasure,notonlytodonoinjurytohisneighbor,nortodeprivehimofgain,nortoperpetrateanyactofunfaithfulnessormaliceinanybargainortrade,butfaithfullytopreservehispropertyforhim,tosecureandpromotehisadvantage,especiallywhenoneacceptsmoney,wages,andone'slivelihoodforsuchservice.234]Henowwhowantonlydespisesthismayindeedpassalongandescapethehangman,butheshallnotescapethewrathandpunishmentofGod;andwhenhehaslongpractisedhisdefianceandarrogance,heshallyetremainatrampandbeggar,and,inaddition,haveallplaguesandmisfortune.235]Nowyouaregoingyourway[whereveryourheart'spleasurecallsyou]whileyououghttopreservethepropertyofyourmasterandmistress,forwhichserviceyoufillyourcropandmaw,takeyourwageslikeathief,havepeopletreatyouasanobleman;fortherearemanythatareeveninsolenttowardstheirmastersandmistresses,andareunwillingtodothemafavororservicebywhichtoprotectthemfromloss.236]Butreflectwhatyouwillgainwhen,havingcomeintoyourownpropertyandbeingset

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upinyourhome(towhichGodwillhelpwithallmisfortunes),it[yourperfidy]willbobupagainandcomehometoyou,andyouwillfindthatwhereyouhavecheatedordoneinjurytothevalueofonemite,youwillhavetopaythirtyagain.237]Suchshallbethelotalsoofmechanicsandday‐laborersofwhomwearenowobligedtohearandsuffersuchintolerablemaliciousness,asthoughtheywerenoblemeninanother'spossessions,andeveryonewereobligedtogivethemwhattheydemand.238]Justletthemcontinuepractisingtheirexactionsaslongastheycan;butGodwillnotforgetHiscommandment,andwillrewardthemaccordingastheyhaveserved,andwillhangthem,notuponagreengallows,butuponadryone,sothatalltheirlifetheyshallneitherprospernoraccumulateanything.239]Andindeed,iftherewereawell‐orderedgovernmentintheland,suchwantonnessmightsoonbecheckedandprevented,aswasthecustominancienttimesamongtheRomans,wheresuchcharacterswerepromptlyseizedbythepateinawaythatotherstookwarning.240]Nomoreshallalltherestprosperwhochangetheopenfreemarketintoacarrionpitofextortionandadenofrobbery,wherethepooraredailyovercharged,newburdensandhighpricesareimposed,andeveryoneusesthemarketaccordingtohiscaprice,andisevendefiantandbragsasthoughitwerehisfairprivilegeandrighttosellhisgoodsforashighapriceasheplease,andnoonehadarighttosayawordagainstit.241]Wewillindeedlookonandletthesepeopleskin,pinch,andhoard,242]butwewilltrustinGod,—whowill,however,dothisofHisownaccord,—that,afteryouhavebeenskinningandscrapingforalongtime,Hewillpronouncesuchablessingonyourgainsthatyourgraininthegarner,yourbeerinthecellar,yourcattleinthestallsshallperish;yea,whereyouhavecheatedandoverchargedanyonetotheamountofaflorin,yourentirepileshallbeconsumedwithrust,sothatyoushallneverenjoyit.243]Andindeed,weseeandexperiencethisbeingfulfilleddailybeforeoureyes,thatnostolenordishonestlyacquiredpossessionthrives.Howmanytherearewhorakeandscrapedayandnight,andyetgrownotafarthingricher!Andthoughtheygathermuch,theymustsuffersomanyplaguesandmisfortunesthattheycannotrelishitwithcheerfulnessnortransmitittotheirchildren.244]Butasnoonemindsit,andwegoonasthoughitdidnotconcernus,Godmustvisitusinadifferentwayandteachusmannersbyimposingonetaxationafteranother,orbilletingatroopofsoldiersuponus,whoinonehouremptyourcoffersandpurses,anddonotquitaslongaswehaveafarthingleft,andinaddition,bywayofthanks,burnanddevastatehouseandhome,andoutrageandkillwifeandchildren.245]And,inshort,ifyoustealmuch,dependuponitthatagainasmuchwillbestolenfromyou;andliewhorobsandacquireswithviolenceandwrongwillsubmittoonewhoshalldealafterthesamefashionwithhim.ForGodismasterofthisart,thatsinceeveryonerobsandstealsfromtheother,Hepunishesonethiefbymeansofanother.Elsewhereshouldwefindenoughgallowsandropes?246]Now,whoeveriswillingtobeinstructed,lethimknowthatthisisthecommandmentofGod,andthatitmustnotbetreatedasajest.Foralthoughyoudespiseus,defraud,steal,androb,wewillindeedmanagetoendureyourhaughtiness,suffer,and,accordingtotheLord'sPrayer,forgiveandshowpity;forweknowthatthegodlyshallneverthelesshaveenough,andyouinjureyourselfmorethananother.247]Butbewareofthis:Whenthepoormancomestoyou(ofwhomtherearesomanynow)

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whomustbuywiththepennyofhisdailywagesandliveuponit,andyouareharshtohim,asthougheveryonelivedbyyourfavor,andyouskinandscrapetothebone,and,besides,withprideandhaughtinessturnhimofftowhomyououghttogivefornothing,hewillgoawaywretchedandsorrowful,andsincehecancomplaintonoone,hewillcryandcalltoheaven,thenbeware(Isayagain)asofthedevilhimself.Forsuchgroaningandcallingwillbenojest,butwillhaveaweightthatwillprovetooheavyforyouandalltheworld.ForitwillreachHimwhotakescareofthepoorsorrowfulhearts,andwillnotallowthemtogounavenged.Butifyoudespisethisandbecomedefiant,seewhomyouhavebroughtuponyou:ifyousucceedandprosper,youmaybeforealltheworldcallGodandmealiar.248]Wehaveexhorted,warned,andprotestedenough;hewhowillnotheedorbelieveitmaygoonuntilhelearnsthisbyexperience.Yetitmustbeimpressedupontheyoungthattheymaybecarefulnottofollowtheoldlawlesscrowd,butkeeptheireyesfixeduponGod'scommandment,lestHiswrathandpunishmentcomeuponthemtoo.249]ItbehoovesustodonomorethantoinstructandreprovewithGod'sWord;buttochecksuchopenwantonnessthereisneedoftheprincesandgovernment,whothemselveswouldhaveeyesandthecouragetoestablishandmaintainorderinallmanneroftradeandcommerce,lestthepoorbeburdenedandoppressednortheythemselvesbeloadedwithothermen'ssins.250]Letthissufficeasanexplanationofwhatstealingis,thatitbenottakentoonarrowly,butmadetoextendasfaraswehavetodowithourneighbors.Andbriefly,inasummary,asintheformercommandments,itisherewithforbidden,inthefirstplace,todoourneighboranyinjuryorwrong(inwhatevermannersupposable,bycurtailing,forestalling,andwithholdinghispossessionsandproperty),oreventoconsentorallowsuchathing,buttointerposeandpreventit.251]And,ontheotherhand,itiscommandedthatweadvanceandimprovehispossessions,andincasehesufferswant,thatwehelp,communicate,andlendbothtofriendsandfoes.252]WhoevernowseeksanddesiresgoodworkswillfindheremorethanenoughsuchasareheartilyacceptableandpleasingtoGod,andinadditionarefavoredandcrownedwithexcellentblessings,thatwearetoberichlycompensatedforallthatwedoforourneighbor'sgoodandfromfriendship;asKingSolomonalsoteachesProv.19,17:HethathathpityuponthepoorlendethuntotheLord;andthatwhichhehathgivenwillHepayhimagain.Here,then,youhave253]arichLord,whoiscertainlysufficientforyou,andwhowillnotsufferyoutocomeshortinanythingortowant;thusyoucanwithajoyfulconscienceenjoyahundredtimesmorethanyoucouldscrapetogetherwithunfaithfulnessandwrong.Now,whoeverdoesnotdesiretheblessingwillfindwrathandmisfortuneenough.Backtotop

The Eighth Commandment. 254]Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbor.255]Overandaboveourownbody,spouse,andtemporalpossessions,wehaveyetanothertreasure,namely,honorandgoodreport[theillustrioustestimonyofanuprightandunsulliednameandreputation],withwhichwecannotdispense.Foritisintolerabletoliveamongmeninopenshameandgeneralcontempt.256]ThereforeGodwishesthereputation,goodname,anduprightcharacterofourneighbortobetakenawayor

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diminishedaslittleashismoneyandpossessions,thateveryonemaystandinhisintegritybeforewife,children,servants,andneighbors.257]Andinthefirstplace,wetaketheplainestmeaningofthiscommandmentaccordingtothewords(Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitness),aspertainingtothepubliccourtsofjustice,whereapoorinnocentmanisaccusedandoppressedbyfalsewitnessesinordertobepunishedinhisbody,property,orhonor.258]Now,thisappearsasifitwereoflittleconcerntousatpresent;butwiththeJewsitwasquiteacommonandordinarymatter.Forthepeoplewereorganizedunderanexcellentandregulargovernment;andwherethereisstillsuchagovernment,instancesofthissinwillnotbewanting.Thecauseofitisthatwherejudges,burgomasters,princes,orothersinauthoritysitinjudgment,thingsneverfailtogoaccordingtothecourseoftheworld;namely,mendonotliketooffendanybody,flatter,andspeaktogainfavor,money,prospects,orfriendship;andinconsequenceapoormanandhiscausemustbeoppressed,denouncedaswrong,andsufferpunishment.Anditisacommoncalamityintheworldthatincourtsofjusticethereseldompresidegodlymen.259]Fortobeajudgerequiresaboveallthingsagodlyman,andnotonlyagodly,butalsoawise,modest,yea,abraveandholdman;likewise,tobeawitnessrequiresafearlessandespeciallyagodlyman.Forapersonwhoistojudgeallmattersrightlyandcarrythemthroughwithhisdecisionwilloftenoffendgoodfriends,relatives,neighbors,andtherichandpowerful,whocangreatlyserveorinjurehim.Thereforehemustbequiteblind,havehiseyesandearsclosed,neitherseenorhear,butgostraightforwardineverythingthatcomesbeforehim,anddecideaccordingly.260]Thereforethiscommandmentisgivenfirstofallthateveryoneshallhelphisneighbortosecurehisrights,andnotallowthemtobehinderedortwisted,butshallpromoteandstrictlymaintainthem,nomatterwhetherhebejudgeorwitness,andletitpertaintowhatsoeveritwill.261]Andespeciallyisagoalsetuphereforourjuriststhattheybecarefultodealtrulyanduprightlywitheverycase,allowingrighttoremainright,and,ontheotherhand,notpervertinganything[bytheirtricksandtechnicalpointsturningblackintowhiteandmakingwrongouttoberight],norglossingitoverorkeepingsilentconcerningit,irrespectiveofaperson'smoney,possession,honor,orpower.Thisisonepartandtheplainestsenseofthiscommandmentconcerningallthattakesplaceincourt.262]Next,itextendsverymuchfurther,ifwearetoapplyittospiritualjurisdictionoradministration;hereitisacommonoccurrencethateveryonebearsfalsewitnessagainsthisneighbor.ForwherevertherearegodlypreachersandChristians,theymustbearthesentencebeforetheworldthattheyarecalledheretics,apostates,yea,seditiousanddesperatelywickedmiscreants.Besides,theWordofGodmustsufferinthemostshamefulandmaliciousmanner,beingpersecuted,blasphemed,contradicted,perverted,andfalselycitedandinterpreted.Butletthispass;foritisthewayoftheblindworldthatshecondemnsandpersecutesthetruthandthechildrenofGod,andyetesteemsitnosin.263]Inthethirdplace,whatconcernsusall,thiscommandmentforbidsallsinsofthetonguewherebywemayinjureorapproachtoocloselytoourneighbor.Fortobearfalsewitnessisnothingelsethanaworkofthetongue.Now,whateverisdonewiththetongueagainstafellow‐manGodwouldhaveprohibited,whetheritbefalsepreacherswiththeirdoctrineandblasphemy,falsejudgesandwitnesseswiththeirverdict,oroutsideofcourtbylyingandevil‐speaking.264]Herebelongsparticularlythedetestable,shamefulviceofspeakingbehindaperson'sbackandslandering,towhichthedevilspursuson,andofwhichtherewouldbe

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muchtobesaid.Foritisacommonevilplaguethateveryoneprefershearingeviltohearinggoodofhisneighbor;andalthoughweourselvesaresobadthatwecannotsufferthatanyoneshouldsayanythingbadaboutus,buteveryonewouldmuchratherthatalltheworldshouldspeakofhimintermsofgold,yetwecannotbearthatthebestisspokenaboutothers.Therefore,toavoidthisviceweshouldnotethat265]nooneisallowedpubliclytojudgeandreprovehisneighbor,althoughhemayseehimsin,unlesshehaveacommandtojudgeandtoreprove.266]Forthereisagreatdifferencebetweenthesetwothings,judgingsinandknowingsin.Youmayindeedknowit,butyouarenottojudgeit.Icanindeedseeandhearthatmyneighborsins,butIhavenocommandtoreportittoothers.Now,ifIrushin,judgingandpassingsentence,Ifallintoasinwhichisgreaterthanhis.Butifyouknowit,donothingelsethanturnyourearsintoagraveandcoverit,untilyouareappointedtobejudgeandtopunishbyvirtueofyouroffice.267]Those,then,arecalledslandererswhoarenotcontentwithknowingathing,butproceedtoassumejurisdiction,andwhentheyknowaslightoffenseofanother,carryitintoeverycorner,andaredelightedandtickledthattheycanstirupanother'sdispleasure[baseness],asswinerollthemselvesinthedirtandrootinitwiththesnout.268]ThisisnothingelsethanmeddlingwiththejudgmentandofficeofGod,andpronouncingsentenceandpunishmentwiththemostsevereverdict.Fornojudgecanpunishtoahigherdegreenorgofartherthantosay:"Heisathief,amurderer,atraitor,"etc.Therefore,whoeverpresumestosaythesameofhisneighborgoesjustasfarastheemperorandallgovernments.Foralthoughyoudonotwieldthesword,youemployyourpoisonoustonguetotheshameandhurtofyourneighbor.269]Godthereforewouldhaveitprohibited,thatanyonespeakevilofanothereventhoughhebeguilty,andthelatterknowitrightwell;muchlessifhedonotknowit,andhaveitonlyfromhearsay.Butyousay:270]ShallInotsayitifitbethetruth?Answer:Whydoyounotmakeaccusationtoregularjudges?Ah,Icannotproveitpublicly,andhenceImightbesilencedandturnedawayinaharshmanner[incurthepenaltyofafalseaccusation]."Ah,indeed,doyousmelltheroast?"Ifyoudonottrustyourselftostandbeforetheproperauthoritiesandtomakeanswer,thenholdyourtongue.Butifyouknowit,knowitforyourselfandnotforanother.Forifyoutellittoothers,althoughitbetrue,youwillappearasaliar,becauseyoucannotproveit,andyouare,besides,actinglikeaknave.Forweoughtnevertodepriveanyoneofhishonororgoodnameunlessitbefirsttakenawayfromhimpublicly.271]Falsewitness,then,iseverythingwhichcannotbeproperlyproved.272]Therefore,whatisnotmanifestuponsufficientevidencenooneshallmakepublicordeclarefortruth;and,inshort,whateverissecretshouldbeallowedtoremainsecret,or,atanyrate,shouldbesecretlyreproved,asweshallhear.273]Therefore,ifyouencounteranidletonguewhichbetraysandslanderssomeone,contradictsuchaonepromptlytohisface,thathemayblush;thusmanyaonewillholdhistonguewhoelsewouldbringsomepoormanintobadrepute,fromwhichhewouldnoteasilyextricatehimself.Forhonorandagoodnameareeasilytakenaway,butnoteasilyrestored.274]Thusyouseethatitissummarilyforbiddentospeakanyevilofourneighbor,however,thecivilgovernment,preachers,fatherandmotherexcepted,ontheunderstandingthatthiscommandmentdoesnotalloweviltogounpunished.Now,asaccordingtotheFifth

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Commandmentnooneistobeinjuredinbody,andyetMasterHannes[theexecutioner]isexcepted,whobyvirtueofhisofficedoeshisneighbornogood,butonlyevilandharm,andneverthelessdoesnotsinagainstGod'scommandment,becauseGodhasonHisownaccountinstitutedthatoffice;forHehasreservedpunishmentforHisowngoodpleasure,asHethreatensintheFirstCommandment,—justsoalso,althoughnoonehasarightinhisownpersontojudgeandcondemnanybody,yetiftheytowhoseofficeitbelongsfailtodoit,theysinaswellashewhowoulddosoofhisownaccord,withoutsuchoffice.Forherenecessityrequiresonetospeakoftheevil,toprefercharges,toinvestigateandtestify;275]anditisnotdifferentfromthecaseofaphysicianwhoissometimescompelledtoexamineandhandlethepatientwhomheistocureinsecretparts.Justsogovernments,fatherandmother,brothersandsisters,andothergoodfriends,areunderobligationtoeachothertoreproveevilwhereveritisneedfulandprofitable.276]ButthetruewayinthismatterwouldbetoobservetheorderaccordingtotheGospel,Matt.18,15,whereChristsays:Ifthybrothershalltrespassagainstthee,goandtellhimhisfaultbetweentheeandhimalone.Hereyouhaveapreciousandexcellentteachingforgoverningwellthetongue,whichistobecarefullyobservedagainstthisdetestablemisuse.Letthis,then,beyourrule,thatyoudonottooreadilyspreadevilconcerningyourneighborandslanderhimtoothers,butadmonishhimprivatelythathemayamend[hislife].Likewise,also,ifsomeonereporttoyouwhatthisorthatonehasdone,teachhim,too,togoandadmonishhimpersonally,ifhehaveseenithimself;butifnot,thatheholdhistongue.277]Thesameyoucanlearnalsofromthedailygovernmentofthehousehold.Forwhenthemasterofthehouseseesthattheservantdoesnotdowhatheought,headmonisheshimpersonally.Butifheweresofoolishastolettheservantsitathome,andwentonthestreetstocomplainofhimtohisneighbors,hewouldnodoubtbetold:"Youfool,whatdoesthatconcernus?278]Whydoyounottellittohim?"Behold,thatwouldbeactingquitebrotherly,sothattheevilwouldbestayed,andyourneighborwouldretainhishonor.AsChristalsosaysinthesameplace:Ifhehearthee,thouhastgainedthybrother.Thenyouhavedoneagreatandexcellentwork;fordoyouthinkitisalittlemattertogainabrother?Letallmonksandholyordersstepforth,withalltheirworksmeltedtogetherintoonemass,andseeiftheycanboastthattheyhavegainedabrother.279]Further,Christteaches:Butifhewillnothearthee,thentakewiththeeoneortwomore,thatinthemouthoftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordmaybeestablished.Sohewhomitconcernsisalwaystobetreatedwithpersonally,andnottobespokenofwithouthisknowledge.280]Butifthatdonotavail,thenbringitpubliclybeforethecommunity,whetherbeforethecivilortheecclesiasticaltribunal.Forthenyoudonotstandalone,butyouhavethosewitnesseswithyoubywhomyoucanconvicttheguiltyone,relyingonwhomthejudgecanpronouncesentenceandpunish.Thisistherightandregularcourseforcheckingandreformingawickedperson.281]Butifwegossipaboutanotherinallcorners,andstirthefilth,noonewillbereformed,andafterwardswhenwearetostandupandbearwitness,wedenyhavingsaidso.282]Thereforeitwouldservesuchtonguesrightiftheiritchforslanderwereseverelypunished,asawarningtoothers.283]Ifyouwereactingforyourneighbor'sreformationorfromloveofthetruth,youwouldnotsneakaboutsecretlynorshunthedayandthelight.284]Allthishasbeensaidregardingsecretsins.Butwherethesinisquitepublicsothatthejudgeandeverybodyknowit,youcanwithoutanysinavoidhimandlethimgo,becausehehasbroughthimselfintodisgrace,andyoumayalsopubliclytestifyconcerninghim.Forwhen

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amatterispublicinthelightofday,therecanbenoslanderingorfalsejudgingortestifying;as,whenwenowreprovethePopewithhisdoctrine,whichispubliclysetforthinbooksandproclaimedinalltheworld.Forwherethesinispublic,thereproofalsomustbepublic,thateveryonemaylearntoguardagainstit.285]Thuswehavenowthesumandgeneralunderstandingofthiscommandment,towit,thatnoonedoanyinjurywiththetonguetohisneighbor,whetherfriendorfoe,norspeakevilofhim,nomatterwhetheritbetrueorfalse,unlessitbedonebycommandmentorforhisreformation,butthateveryoneemployhistongueandmakeitserveforthebestofeveryoneelse,tocoveruphisneighbor'ssinsandinfirmities,excusethem,palliateandgarnishthemwithhisownreputation.286]ThechiefreasonforthisshouldbetheonewhichChristallegesintheGospel,inwhichHecomprehendsallcommandmentsrespectingourneighbor,Matt.7,12:Whatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddotoyou,doyeevensotothem.287]Evennatureteachesthesamethinginourownbodies,asSt.Paulsays,1Cor.12,22:Muchmore,thosemembersofthebodywhichseemtobemorefeeblearenecessary;andthosemembersofthebodywhichwethinktobelesshonorable,uponthesewebestowmoreabundanthonor;andouruncomelypartshavemoreabundantcomeliness.Noonecovershisface,eyes,nose,andmouth,forthey,beinginthemselvesthemosthonorablememberswhichwehave,donotrequireit.Butthemostinfirmmembers,ofwhichweareashamed,wecoverwithalldiligence;hands,eyes,andthewholebodymusthelptocoverandconcealthem.288]Thusalsoamongourselvesshouldweadornwhateverblemishesandinfirmitieswefindinourneighbor,andserveandhelphimtopromotehishonortothebestofourability,and,ontheotherhand,preventwhatevermaybediscreditabletohim.289]Anditisespeciallyanexcellentandnoblevirtueforonealwaystoexplainadvantageouslyandputthebestconstructionuponallhemayhearofhisneighbor(ifitbenotnotoriouslyevil),oratanyratetocondoneitoverandagainstthepoisonoustonguesthatarebusywherevertheycanpryoutanddiscoversomethingtoblameinaneighbor,andthatexplainandpervertitintheworstway;asisdonenowespeciallywiththepreciousWordofGodanditspreachers.290]TherearecomprehendedthereforeinthiscommandmentquiteamultitudeofgoodworkswhichpleaseGodmosthighly,andbringabundantgoodandblessing,ifonlytheblindworldandthefalsesaintswouldrecognizethem.Forthereisnothingonorinentiremanwhichcandobothgreaterandmoreextensivegoodorharminspiritualandintemporalmattersthanthetongue,thoughitistheleastandfeeblestmember.Backtotop

The Ninth and Tenth Commandments. 292]Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor'shouse.Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor'swife,norhisman‐servant,norhismaid‐servant,norhiscattle,noranythingthatishis.293]ThesetwocommandmentsaregivenquiteexclusivelytotheJews;nevertheless,inparttheyalsoconcernus.Fortheydonotinterpretthemasreferringtounchastityortheft,becausethesearesufficientlyforbiddenabove.Theyalsothoughtthattheyhadkeptallthosewhentheyhaddoneornotdonetheexternalact.ThereforeGodhasaddedthesetwocommandmentsinorderthatitbeesteemedassinandforbiddentodesireorinanywaytoaimatgettingourneighbor'swifeorpossessions;294]andespeciallybecauseunderthe

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Jewishgovernmentman‐servantsandmaid‐servantswerenotfreeasnowtoserveforwagesaslongastheypleased,butweretheirmaster'spropertywiththeirbodyandalltheyhad,ascattleandotherpossessions.295]Moreover,everymanhadpoweroverhiswifetoputherawaypubliclybygivingherabillofdivorce,andtotakeanother.Thereforetheywereinconstantdangeramongeachotherthatifonetookafancytoanother'swife,hemightallegeanyreasonbothtodismisshisownwifeandtoestrangetheother'swifefromhim,thathemightobtainherunderpretextofright.Thatwasnotconsideredasinnordisgracewiththem;aslittleasnowwithhiredhelp,whenaproprietordismisseshisman‐servantormaid‐servant,ortakesanother'sservantsfromhiminanyway.296]Therefore(Isay)theythusinterpretedthesecommandments,andthatrightly(althoughtheirscopereachessomewhatfartherandhigher),thatnoonethinkorpurposetoobtainwhatbelongstoanother,suchashiswife,servants,houseandestate,land,meadows,cattle,evenwithashowofrightorbyasubterfuge,yetwithinjurytohisneighbor.Forabove,intheSeventhCommandment,theviceisforbiddenwhereonewreststohimselfthepossessionsofothers,orwithholdsthemfromhisneighbor,whichhecannotdobyright.Buthereitisalsoforbiddentoalienateanythingfromyourneighbor,eventhoughyoucoulddosowithhonorintheeyesoftheworld,sothatnoonecouldaccuseorblameyouasthoughyouhadobtaineditwrongfully.297]Forwearesoinclinedbynaturethatnoonedesirestoseeanotherhaveasmuchashimself,andeachoneacquiresasmuchashecan;theothermayfareasbesthecan.298]Andyetwepretendtobegodly,knowhowtoadornourselvesmostfinelyandconcealourrascality,resorttoandinventadroitdevicesanddeceitfulartifices(suchasnowaredailymostingeniouslycontrived)asthoughtheywerederivedfromthelawcodes;yea,weevendareimpertinentlytorefertoit,andboastofit,andwillnothaveitcalledrascality,butshrewdnessandcaution.299]Inthislawyersandjuristsassist,whotwistandstretchthelawtosuitittotheircause,stresswordsandusethemforasubterfuge,irrespectiveofequityortheirneighbor'snecessity.And,inshort,whoeveristhemostexpertandcunningintheseaffairsfindsmosthelpinlaw,astheythemselvessay:Vigilantibusiurasubveniunt[thatis,Thelawsfavorthewatchful].300]Thislastcommandmentthereforeisgivennotforroguesintheeyesoftheworld,butjustforthemostpious,whowishtobepraisedandbecalledhonestanduprightpeople,sincetheyhavenotoffendedagainsttheformercommandments,asespeciallytheJewsclaimedtobe,andevennowmanygreatnoblemen,gentlemen,andprinces.Fortheothercommonmassesbelongyetfartherdown,undertheSeventhCommandment,asthosewhoarenotmuchconcernedwhethertheyacquiretheirpossessionswithhonorandright.301]Now,thisoccursmostfrequentlyincasesthatarebroughtintocourt,whereitisthepurposetogetsomethingfromourneighborandtoforcehimoutofhisown.As(togiveexamples),whenpeoplequarrelandwrangleaboutalargeinheritance,realestate,etc.,theyavailthemselvesof,andresortto,whateverhastheappearanceofright,sodressingandadorningeverythingthatthelawmustfavortheirside,andtheykeepthepropertywithsuchtitlethatnoonecanmakecomplaintorlayclaimthereto.302]Inlikemanner,ifanyonedesiretohaveacastle,city,duchy,oranyothergreatthing,hepractisessomuchfinancieringthroughrelationships,andbyanymeanshecan,thattheotherisjudiciallydeprivedofit,anditisadjudicatedtohim,andconfirmedwithdeedandsealanddeclaredtohavebeenacquiredbyprincelytitleandhonestly.

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303]Likewisealsoincommontradewhereonedexterouslyslipssomethingoutofanother'shand,sothathemustlookafterit,orsurprisesanddefraudshiminamatterinwhichheseesadvantageandbenefitforhimself,sothatthelatter,perhapsonaccountofdistressordebt,cannotregainorredeemitwithoutinjury,andtheformergainsthehalforevenmore;andyetthismustnotbeconsideredasacquiredbyfraudorstolen,buthonestlybought.Heretheysay:Firstcome,firstserved,andeveryonemustlooktohisowninterest,letanothergetwhathecan.304]Andwhocanbesosmartastothinkofallthewaysinwhichonecangetmanythingsintohispossessionbysuchspeciouspretexts?Thistheworlddoesnotconsiderwrong[norisitpunishedbylaws],andwillnotseethattheneighboristherebyplacedatadisadvantage,andmustsacrificewhathecannotsparewithoutinjury.Yetthereisnoonewhowishesthistobedonetohim;fromwhichwecaneasilyperceivethatsuchdevicesandpretextsarefalse.305]Thusitwasdoneformerlyalsowithrespecttowives:theyknewsuchdevicesthatifonewerepleasedwithanotherwoman,hepersonallyorthroughothers(asthereweremanywaysandmeanstobeinvented)causedherhusbandtoconceiveadispleasuretowardher,orhadherresisthimandsoconductherselfthathewasobligedtodismissherandleavehertotheother.ThatsortofthingundoubtedlyprevailedmuchundertheLaw,asalsowereadintheGospelofKingHerodthathetookhisbrother'swifewhilehewasyetliving,andyetwishedtobethoughtanhonorable,piousman,asSt.Markalsotestifiesofhim.306]Butsuchanexample,Itrust,willnotoccuramongus,becauseintheNewTestamentthosewhoaremarriedareforbiddentobedivorced,exceptinsuchacasewhereone[shrewdly]bysomestratagemtakesawayarichbridefromanother.Butitisnotararethingwithusthatoneestrangesoralienatesanother'sman‐servantormaid‐servant,orenticesthemawaybyflatteringwords.307]Inwhateverwaysuchthingshappen,wemustknowthatGoddoesnotwishthatyoudepriveyourneighborofanythingthatbelongstohim,sothathesufferthelossandyougratifyyouravaricewithit,evenifyoucouldkeepithonorablybeforetheworld;foritisasecretandinsidiousimpositionpractisedunderthehat,aswesay,thatitmaynotbeobserved.Foralthoughyougoyourwayasifyouhaddonenooneanywrong,youhaveneverthelessinjuredyourneighbor;andifitisnotcalledstealingandcheating,yetitiscalledcovetingyourneighbor'sproperty,thatis,aimingatpossessionofit,enticingitawayfromhimwithouthiswill,andbeingunwillingtoseehimenjoywhatGodhasgrantedhim.308]Andalthoughthejudgeandeveryonemustleaveyouinpossessionofit,yetGodwillnotleaveyoutherein:forHeseesthedeceitfulheartandthemaliceoftheworld,whichissuretotakeanellinadditionwhere‐everyouyieldtoherafinger'sbreadth,andatlengthpublicwrongandviolencefollow.309]Thereforeweallowthesecommandmentstoremainintheirordinarymeaning,thatitiscommanded,first,thatwedonotdesireourneighbor'sdamage,norevenassist,norgiveoccasionforit,butgladlywishandleavehimwhathehas,and,besides,advanceandpreserveforhimwhatmaybeforhisprofitandservice,asweshouldwishtobetreated.310]Thusthesecommandmentsareespeciallydirectedagainstenvyandmiserableavarice,Godwishingtoremoveallcausesandsourceswhenceariseseverythingbywhichwedoinjurytoourneighbor,andthereforeHeexpressesitinplainwords:Thoushaltnotcovet,etc.ForHewouldespeciallyhavetheheartpure,althoughweshallneverattaintothataslongaswelivehere;sothatthiscommandmentwillremain,likealltherest,onethatwillconstantlyaccuseusandshowhowgodlyweareinthesightofGod!

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Conclusion of the Ten Commandments. 311]ThuswehavetheTenCommandments,acompendofdivinedoctrine,astowhatwearetodoinorderthatourwholelifemaybepleasingtoGod,andthetruefountainandchannelfromandinwhicheverythingmustariseandflowthatistobeagoodwork,sothatoutsideoftheTenCommandmentsnoworkorthingcanbegoodorpleasingtoGod,howevergreatorpreciousitbeintheeyesoftheworld.312]Letusseenowwhatourgreatsaintscanboastoftheirspiritualordersandtheirgreatandgrievousworkswhichtheyhaveinventedandsetup,whiletheyletthesepass,asthoughtheywerefartooinsignificant,orhadlongagobeenperfectlyfulfilled.313]Iamofopinion,indeed,thathereonewillfindhishandsfull,[andwillhaveenough]todotoobservethese,namely,meekness,patience,andlovetowardsenemies,chastity,kindness,etc.,andwhatsuchvirtuesimply.Butsuchworksarenotofvalueandmakenodisplayintheeyesoftheworld;fortheyarenotpeculiarandconceitedworks,andrestrictedtoparticulartimes,places,rites,andcustoms,butarecommon,every‐daydomesticworkswhichoneneighborcanpractisetowardanother;thereforetheyarenotofhighesteem.314]Buttheotherworkscausepeopletoopentheireyesandearswide,andmenaidtothiseffectbythegreatdisplay,expense,andmagnificentbuildingswithwhichtheyadornthem,sothateverythingshinesandglitters.Theretheywaftincense,theysingandringbells,theylighttapersandcandles,sothatnothingelsecanbeseenorheard.Forwhenaprieststandsthereinasurpliceembroideredwithgilt,oralaymancontinuesalldayuponhiskneesinchurch,thatisregardedasamostpreciousworkwhichnoonecansufficientlypraise.Butwhenapoorgirltendsalittlechildandfaithfullydoeswhatsheistold,thatisconsiderednothing;forelsewhatshouldmonksandnunsseekintheircloisters?315]Butsee,isnotthatacursedpresumptionofthosedesperatesaintswhodaretoinventahigherandbetterlifeandestatethantheTenCommandmentsteach,pretending(aswehavesaid)thatthisisanordinarylifeforthecommonman,butthattheirsisforsaintsandperfectones?316]AndthemiserableblindpeopledonotseethatnomancangetsofarastokeeponeoftheTenCommandmentsasitshouldbekept,butboththeApostles'CreedandtheLord'sPrayermustcometoouraid(asweshallhear),bywhichthat[powerandstrengthtokeepthecommandments]issoughtandprayedforandreceivedcontinually.ThereforealltheirboastingamountstoasmuchasifIboastedandsaid:Tobesure,Ihavenotapennytomakepaymentwith,butIconfidentlyundertaketopaytenflorins.317]AllthisIsayandurgeinorderthatmenmightbecomeridofthesadmisusewhichhastakensuchdeeprootandstillcleavestoeverybody,andinallestatesuponearthbecomeusedtolookinghitheronly,andtobeingconcernedaboutthesematters.ForitwillbealongtimebeforetheywillproduceadoctrineorestatesequaltotheTenCommandments,becausetheyaresohighthatnoonecanattaintothembyhumanpower;andwhoeverdoesattaintothemisaheavenly,angelicman,faraboveallholinessoftheworld.318]Onlyoccupyyourselfwiththem,andtryyourbest,applyallpowerandability,andyouwillfindsomuchtodothatyouwillneitherseeknoresteemanyotherworkorholiness.319]LetthisbesufficientconcerningthefirstpartofthecommonChristiandoctrine,bothforteachingandurgingwhatisnecessary.Inconclusion,however,wemustrepeatthetextwhichbelongshere,ofwhichwehavetreatedalreadyintheFirstCommandment,inorderthatwemaylearnwhatpainsGodrequirestotheendwemaylearntoinculcateandpractise

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theTenCommandments:320]ForItheLord,thyGod,amajealousGod,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateMe,andshowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatloveMeandkeepMycommandments.321]Although(aswehaveheardabove)thisappendixwasprimarilyattachedtotheFirstCommandment,itwasnevertheless[wecannotdenythatitwas]laiddownforthesakeofallthecommandments,asallofthemaretobereferredanddirectedtoit.ThereforeIhavesaidthatthis,too,shouldbepresentedtoandinculcatedupontheyoung,thattheymaylearnandrememberit,inordertoseewhatistourgeandcompelustokeeptheseTenCommandments.Anditistoberegardedasthoughthispartwerespeciallyaddedtoeach,sothatitinheresin,andpervades,themall.322]Now,thereiscomprehendedinthesewords(assaidbefore)bothanangrywordofthreateningandafriendlypromisetoterrifyandwarnus,and,moreover,toinduceandencourageustoreceiveandhighlyesteemHisWordasamatterofdivineearnestness,becauseHeHimselfdeclareshowmuchHeisconcernedaboutit,andhowrigidlyHewillenforceit,namely,thatHewillhorriblyandterriblypunishallwhodespiseandtransgressHiscommandments;323]andagain,howrichlyHewillreward,bless,anddoallgoodtothosewhoholdtheminhighesteem,andgladlydoandliveaccordingtothem.ThusHedemandsthatallourworksproceedfromaheartwhichfearsandregardsGodalone,andfromsuchfearavoidseverythingthatiscontrarytoHiswill,lestitshouldmoveHimtowrath;and,ontheotherhand,alsotrustsinHimaloneandfromlovetoHimdoesallHewishes,becausehespeakstousasfriendlyasafather,andoffersusallgraceandeverygood.324]Justthisisalsothemeaningandtrueinterpretationofthefirstandchiefcommandment,fromwhichalltheothersmustflowandproceed,sothatthisword:ThoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeMe,initssimplestmeaningstatesnothingelsethanthisdemand:Thoushaltfear,love,andtrustinMeasthineonlytrueGod.ForwherethereisaheartthusdisposedtowardsGod,thesamehasfulfilledthisandalltheothercommandments.Ontheotherhand,whoeverfearsandlovesanythingelseinheavenanduponearthwillkeepneitherthisnorany.325]ThustheentireScriptureshaveeverywherepreachedandinculcatedthiscommandment,aimingalwaysatthesetwothings:fearofGodandtrustinHim.AndespeciallytheprophetDavidthroughoutthePsalms,aswhenhesays[Ps.147,11]:TheLordtakethpleasureinthemthatfearHim,inthosethathopeinHismercy.Asiftheentirecommandmentwereexplainedbyoneverse,asmuchastosay:TheLordtakethpleasureinthosewhohavenoothergods.326]ThustheFirstCommandmentistoshineandimpartitssplendortoalltheothers.Thereforeyoumustletthisdeclarationrunthroughallthecommandments,likeahoopinawreath,joiningtheendtothebeginningandholdingthemalltogether,thatitbecontinuallyrepeatedandnotforgotten;as,namely,intheSecondCommandment,thatwefearGodanddonottakeHisnameinvainforcursing,lying,deceiving,andothermodesofleadingmenastray,orrascality,butmakeproperandgooduseofitbycallinguponHiminprayer,praise,andthanksgiving,derivedfromloveandtrustaccordingtotheFirstCommandment.Inlikemannersuchfear,love,andtrustistourgeandforceusnottodespiseHisWord,butgladlytolearn,hear,andesteemitholy,andhonorit.327]Thuscontinuingthroughallthefollowingcommandmentstowardsourneighbor

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likewise,everythingistoproceedbyvirtueoftheFirstCommandment,towit,thatwehonorfatherandmother,masters,andallinauthority,andbesubjectandobedienttothem,notontheirownaccount,butforGod'ssake.Foryouarenottoregardorfearfatherormother,orfromloveofthemdooromitanything.ButseetothatwhichGodwouldhaveyoudo,andwhatHewillquitesurelydemandofyou;ifyouomitthat,youhaveanangryJudge,butinthecontrarycaseagraciousFather.328]Again,thatyoudoyourneighbornoharm,injury,orviolence,norinanywiseencroachuponhimastouchinghisbody,wife,property,honor,orrights,asallthesethingsarecommandedintheirorder,eventhoughyouhaveopportunityandcausetodosoandnomanwouldreproveyou;butthatyoudogoodtoallmen,helpthem,andpromotetheirinterest,howsoeverandwhereveryoucan,purelyfromloveofGodandinordertopleaseHim,intheconfidencethatHewillabundantlyrewardyouforeverything.329]ThusyouseehowtheFirstCommandmentisthechiefsourceandfountainheadwhichflowsintoalltherest,andagain,allreturntothatanddependuponit,sothatbeginningandendarefastenedandboundtoeachother.330]This(Isay)itisprofitableandnecessaryalwaystoteachtotheyoungpeople,toadmonishthemandtoremindthemofit,thattheymaybebroughtupnotonlywithblowsandcompulsion,likecattle,butinthefearandreverenceofGod.Forwherethisisconsideredandlaidtoheartthatthesethingsarenothumantrifles,butthecommandmentsoftheDivineMajesty,whoinsistsuponthemwithsuchearnestness,isangrywith,andpunishesthosewhodespisethem,and,ontheotherhand,abundantlyrewardsthosewhokeepthem,therewillbeaspontaneousimpulseandadesiregladlytodothewillofGod.331]ThereforeitisnotinvainthatitiscommandedintheOldTestamenttowritetheTenCommandmentsonallwallsandcorners,yes,evenonthegarments,notforthesakeofmerelyhavingthemwrittenintheseplacesandmakingashowofthem,asdidtheJews,butthatwemighthaveoureyesconstantlyfixeduponthem,andhavethemalwaysinourmemory,andthatwemightpractisetheminallouractionsandways,332]andeveryonemakethemhisdailyexerciseinallcases,ineverybusinessandtransaction,asthoughtheywerewrittenineveryplacewhereverhewouldlook,yea,whereverhewalksorstands.Thustherewouldbeoccasionenough,bothathomeinourownhouseandabroadwithourneighbors,topractisetheTenCommandments,thatnooneneedrunfarforthem.333]FromthisitagainappearshowhighlytheseTenCommandmentsaretobeexaltedandextolledaboveallestates,commandments,andworkswhicharetaughtandpractisedasidefromthem.Forherewecanboastandsay:Letallthewiseandsaintsstepforthandproduce,iftheycan,a[single]worklikethesecommandments,uponwhichGodinsistswithsuchearnestness,andwhichHeenjoinswithHisgreatestwrathandpunishment,and,be.sides,addssuchgloriouspromisesthatHewillpouroutuponusallgoodthingsandblessings.Thereforetheyshouldbetaughtaboveallothers,andbeesteemedpreciousanddear,asthehighesttreasuregivenbyGod.Backtotop

Large Catechism Part Second: Of the Creed.

1]ThusfarwehaveheardthefirstpartofChristiandoctrine,inwhichwehaveseenallthat

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Godwishesustodoortoleaveundone.Now,thereproperlyfollowstheCreed,whichsetsforthtouseverythingthatwemustexpectandreceivefromGod,and,tostateitquitebriefly,teachesustoknowHimfully.2]AndthisisintendedtohelpusdothatwhichaccordingtotheTenCommandmentsweoughttodo.For(assaidabove)theyaresetsohighthatallhumanabilityisfartoofeebleandweakto[attaintoor]keepthem.Thereforeitisasnecessarytolearnthispartastheformerinorderthatwemayknowhowtoattainthereto,whenceandwherebytoobtainsuchpower.3]ForifwecouldbyourownpowerskeeptheTenCommandmentsastheyaretobekept,wewouldneednothingfurther,neithertheCreednortheLord'sPrayer.4]ButbeforeweexplainthisadvantageandnecessityoftheCreed,itissufficientatfirstforthesimple‐mindedthattheylearntocomprehendandunderstandtheCreeditself.5]Inthefirstplace,theCreedhashithertobeendividedintotwelvearticles,although,ifallpointswhicharewrittenintheScripturesandwhichbelongtotheCreedweretobedistinctlysetforth,therewouldbefarmorearticles,norcouldtheyallbeclearlyexpressedinsofewwords.6]Butthatitmaybemosteasilyandclearlyunderstoodasitistobetaughttochildren,weshallbrieflysumuptheentireCreedinthreechiefarticles,accordingtothethreepersonsintheGodhead,towhomeverythingthatwebelieveisrelated,sothattheFirstArticle,ofGodtheFather,explainsCreation,theSecondArticle,oftheSon,Redemption,andtheThird,oftheHolyGhost,Sanctification.7]JustasthoughtheCreedwerebrieflycomprehendedinsomanywords:IbelieveinGodtheFather,whohascreatedme;IbelieveinGodtheSon,whohasredeemedme;IbelieveintheHolyGhost,whosanctifiesme.OneGodandonefaith,butthreepersons,thereforealsothreearticlesorconfessions.8]Letusbrieflyrunoverthewords.Backtotop

Article I. 9]IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth.10]Thisportraysandsetsforthmostbrieflywhatistheessence,will,activity,andworkofGodtheFather.ForsincetheTenCommandmentshavetaughtthatwearetohavenotmorethanoneGod,thequestionmightbeasked,WhatkindofapersonisGod?WhatdoesHedo?Howcanwepraise,orportrayanddescribeHim,thatHemaybeknown?Now,thatistaughtinthisandinthefollowingarticle,sothattheCreedisnothingelsethantheanswerandconfessionofChristiansarrangedwithrespecttotheFirstCommandment.Asifyouweretoaskalittlechild:11]Mydear,whatsortofaGodhaveyou?WhatdoyouknowofHim?hecouldsay:ThisismyGod:first,theFather,whohascreatedheavenandearth;besidesthisonlyOneIregardnothingelseasGod;forthereisnooneelsewhocouldcreateheavenandearth.12]Butforthelearned,andthosewhoaresomewhatadvanced[haveacquiredsomeScripturalknowledge],thesethreearticlesmayallbeexpandedanddividedintoasmanypartsastherearewords.Butnowforyoungscholarsletitsufficetoindicatethemostnecessarypoints,namely,aswehavesaid,thatthisarticlereferstotheCreation:thatweemphasizethewords:Creatorofheavenandearth.13]Butwhatistheforceofthis,orwhatdoyoumeanbythesewords:IbelieveinGod,theFatherAlmighty,Maker,etc.?Answer:ThisiswhatImeanandbelieve,thatIamacreatureofGod;thatis,thatHehasgivenand

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constantlypreservestomemybody,soul,andlife,membersgreatandsmall,allmysenses,reason,andunderstanding,andsoon,foodanddrink,clothingandsupport,wifeandchildren,domestics,houseandhome,etc.14]Besides,Hecausesallcreaturestoservefortheusesandnecessitiesoflifesun,moon,andstarsinthefirmament,dayandnight,air,fire,water,earth,andwhateveritbearsandproduces,birdsandfishesbeasts,grain,andallkindsofproduce,15]andwhateverelsethereisofbodilyandtemporalgoods,goodgovernment,peace,security.16]Thuswelearnfromthisarticlethatnoneofushasofhimself,norcanpreserve,hislifenoranythingthatishereenumeratedorcanbeenumerated,howeversmallandunimportantathingitmightbe,foralliscomprehendedinthewordCreator.17]Moreover,wealsoconfessthatGodtheFatherhasnotonlygivenusallthatwehaveandseebeforeoureyes,butdailypreservesanddefendsusagainstallevilandmisfortune,avertsallsortsofdangerandcalamity;andthatHedoesallthisoutofpureloveandgoodness,withoutourmerit,asabenevolentFather,whocaresforusthatnoevilbefallus.18]Buttospeakmoreofthisbelongsintheothertwopartsofthisarticle,wherewesay:FatherAlmighty.19]Now,sinceallthatwepossess,and,moreover,whatever,inaddition,isinheavenandupontheearth,isdailygiven,preserved,andkeptforusbyGod,itisreadilyinferredandconcludedthatitisourdutytolove,praise,andthankHimforitwithoutceasing,and,inshort,toserveHimwithallthesethings,asHedemandsandhasenjoinedintheTenCommandments.20]Herewecouldsaymuchifweweretoexpatiate,howfewtherearethatbelievethisarticle.Forweallpassoverit,hearitandsayit,butneitherseenorconsiderwhatthewordsteachus.21]Forifwebelieveditwiththeheart,wewouldalsoactaccordingly,andnotstalkaboutproudly,actdefiantly,andboastasthoughwehadlife,riches,power,andhonor,etc.,ofourselves,sothatothersmustfearandserveus,asisthepractiseofthewretched,perverseworld,whichisdrownedinblindness,andabusesallthegoodthingsandgiftsofGodonlyforitsownpride,avarice,lust,andluxury,andneveronceregardsGod,soastothankHimoracknowledgeHimasLordandCreator.22]Therefore,thisarticleoughttohumbleandterrifyusall,ifwebelievedit.Forwesindailywitheyes,ears,hands,bodyandsoul,moneyandpossessions,andwitheverythingwehave,especiallythosewhoevenfightagainsttheWordofGod.YetChristianshavethisadvantage,thattheyacknowledgethemselvesindutyboundtoserveGodforallthesethings,andtobeobedienttoHim[whichtheworldknowsnothowtodo].23]Weought,therefore,dailytopractisethisarticle,impressituponourmind,andtorememberitinallthatmeetsoureyes,andinallgoodthatfallstoourlot,andwhereverweescapefromcalamityordanger,thatitisGodwhogivesanddoesallthesethings,thatthereinwesenseandseeHisPaternalheartandhistranscendentlovetowardus.Therebytheheartwouldbewarmedandkindledtobethankful,andtoemployallsuchgoodthingstothehonorandpraiseofGod.24]Thuswehavemostbrieflypresentedthemeaningofthisarticle,asmuchasisatfirstnecessaryforthemostsimpletolearn,bothastowhatwehaveandreceivefromGod,andwhatweoweinreturn,whichisamostexcellentknowledge,butafargreatertreasure.ForhereweseehowtheFatherhasgivenHimselftous,togetherwithallcreatures,andhasmostrichlyprovidedforusinthislife,besidesthatHehasoverwhelmeduswith

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unspeakable,eternaltreasuresbyHisSonandtheHolyGhost,asweshallhear.Backtotop

Article II. 25]AndinJesusChrist,HisonlySon,ourLord,whowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary;sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,dead,andburied;Hedescendedintohell;thethirddayHeroseagainfromthedead;Heascendedintoheaven,andsittethontherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.26]HerewelearntoknowtheSecondPersonoftheGodhead,sothatweseewhatwehavefromGodoverandabovethetemporalgoodsaforementioned;namely,howHehitscompletelypouredforthHimselfandwithheldnothingfromusthatHehasnotgivenus.Now,thisarticleisveryrichandbroad;butinordertoexpounditalsobrieflyandinachildlikewayweshalltakeuponewordandsumupinthattheentirearticle,namely(aswehavesaid),thatwemayherelearnhowwehavebeenredeemed;andweshallbasethisonthesewords:InJesusChrist,ourLord.27]Ifnowyouareasked,WhatdoyoubelieveintheSecondArticleofJesusChrist?answerbriefly:IbelievethatJesusChrist,trueSonofGod,hasbecomemyLord.ButwhatisittobecomeLord?Itisthis,thatHehasredeemedmefromsin,fromthedevil,fromdeath,andallevil.ForbeforeIhadnoLordnorKing,butwascaptiveunderthepowerofthedevil,condemnedtodeath,enmeshedinsinandblindness.28]ForwhenwehadbeencreatedbyGodtheFather,andhadreceivedfromHimallmannerofgood,thedevilcameandledusintodisobedience,sin,death,andallevil,sothatwefellunderHiswrathanddispleasureandweredoomedtoeternaldamnation,aswehadmeritedanddeserved.29]Therewasnocounsel,help,orcomfortuntilthisonlyandeternalSonofGodinHisunfathomablegoodnesshadcompassionuponourmiseryandwretchedness,andcamefromheaventohelpus.30]Thosetyrantsandjailers,then,areallexpellednow,andintheirplacehascomeJesusChrist,Lordoflife,righteousness,everyblessing,andsalvation,andhasdelivereduspoorlostmenfromthejawsofhell,haswonus,madeusfree,andbroughtusagainintothefavorandgraceoftheFather,andhastakenusasHisownpropertyunderHisshelterandprotection,thatHemaygovernusbyHisrighteousness,wisdom,power,life,andblessedness.31]Letthis,then,bethesumofthisarticlethatthelittlewordLordsignifiessimplyasmuchasRedeemer,i.e.,HewhohasbroughtusfromSatantoGod,fromdeathtolife,fromsintorighteousness,andwhopreservesusinthesame.Butallthepointswhichfollowinorderinthisarticleservenootherendthantoexplainandexpressthisredemption,howandwherebyitwasaccomplished,thatis,howmuchitcostHim,andwhatHespentandriskedthatHemightwinusandbringusunderHisdominion,namely,thatHebecameman,conceivedandbornwithout[anystainof]sin,oftheHolyGhostandoftheVirginMary,thatHemightovercomesin;moreover,thatHesuffered,diedandwasburied,thatHemightmakesatisfactionformeandpaywhatIowe,notwithsilvernorgold,butwithHisownpreciousblood.Andallthis,inordertobecomemyLord;forHedidnoneoftheseforHimself,norhadHeanyneedofit.AndafterthatHeroseagainfromthedead,swallowedup

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anddevoureddeath,andfinallyascendedintoheavenandassumedthegovernmentattheFather'srighthand,sothatthedevilandallpowersmustbesubjecttoHimandlieatHisfeet,untilfinally,atthelastday,Hewillcompletelypartandseparateusfromthewickedworld,thedevil,death,sin,etc.32]Buttoexplainallthesesinglepointsseparatelybelongsnottobriefsermonsforchildren,butrathertotheamplersermonsthatextendthroughouttheentireyear,especiallyatthosetimeswhichareappointedforthepurposeoftreatingatlengthofeacharticle—ofthebirth,sufferings,resurrection,ascensionofChrist,etc.33]Ay,theentireGospelwhichwepreachisbasedonthis,thatweproperlyunderstandthisarticleasthatuponwhichoursalvationandallourhappinessrest,andwhichissorichandcomprehensivethatwenevercanlearnitfully.Backtotop

Article III. 34]IbelieveintheHolyGhost;theholyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints;theforgivenessofsins;theresurrectionofthebody;andthelifeeverlasting.Amen.35]Thisarticle(asIhavesaid)IcannotrelatebetterthantoSanctification,thatthroughthesametheHolyGhost,withHisoffice,isdeclaredanddepicted,namely,thatHemakesholy.ThereforewemusttakeourstanduponthewordHolyGhost,becauseitissopreciseandcomprehensivethatwecannotfindanother.36]Forthereare,besides,manykindsofspiritsmentionedintheHolyScriptures,as,thespiritofman,heavenlyspirits,andevilspirits.ButtheSpiritofGodaloneiscalledHolyGhost,thatis,Hewhohassanctifiedandstillsanctifiesus.ForastheFatheriscalledCreator,theSonRedeemer,sotheHolyGhost,fromHiswork,mustbecalledSanctifier,orOnethatmakesholy.37]Buthowissuchsanctifyingdone?Answer:JustastheSonobtainsdominion,wherebyHewinsus,throughHisbirth,death,resurrection,etc.,soalsotheHolyGhosteffectsoursanctificationbythefollowingparts,namely,bythecommunionofsaintsortheChristianChurch,theforgivenessofsins,theresurrectionofthebody,andthelifeeverlasting;thatis,HefirstleadsusintoHisholycongregation,andplacesusinthebosomoftheChurch,wherebyHepreachestousandbringsustoChrist.38]ForneitheryounorIcouldeverknowanythingofChrist,orbelieveonHim,andobtainHimforourLord,unlessitwereofferedtousandgrantedtoourheartsbytheHolyGhostthroughthepreachingoftheGospel.Theworkisdoneandaccomplished;forChristhasacquiredandgainedthetreasureforusbyHissuffering,death,resurrection,etc.Butiftheworkremainedconcealedsothatnooneknewofit,thenitwouldbeinvainandlost.Thatthistreasure,therefore,mightnotlieburied,butbeappropriatedandenjoyed,GodhascausedtheWordtogoforthandbeproclaimed,inwhichHegivestheHolyGhosttobringthistreasurehomeandappropriateittous.39]ThereforesanctifyingisnothingelsethanbringingustoChristtoreceivethisgood,towhichwecouldnotattainofourselves.40]Learn,then,tounderstandthisarticlemostclearly.Ifyouareasked:Whatdoyoumeanbythewords:IbelieveintheHolyGhost?youcananswer:IbelievethattheHolyGhostmakesmeholy,asHisnameimplies.41]ButwherebydoesHeaccomplishthis,orwhatare

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Hismethodandmeanstothisend?Answer:BytheChristianChurch,theforgivenessofsins,theresurrectionofthebody,andthelifeeverlasting.42]For,inthefirstplace,Hehasapeculiarcongregationintheworld,whichisthemotherthatbegetsandbearseveryChristianthroughtheWordofGod,whichHerevealsandpreaches,[andthroughwhich]Heilluminesandenkindleshearts,thattheyunderstand,acceptit,clingtoit,andpersevereinit.43]ForwhereHedoesnotcauseittobepreachedandmadealiveintheheart,sothatitisunderstood,itislost,aswasthecaseunderthePapacy,wherefaithwasentirelyputunderthebench,andnoonerecognizedChristashisLordortheHolyGhostashisSanctifier,thatis,noonebelievedthatChristisourLordinthesensethatHehasacquiredthistreasureforus,withoutourworksandmerit,andmadeusacceptabletotheFather.What,then,waslacking?44]This,thattheHolyGhostwasnottheretorevealitandcauseittobepreached;butmenandevilspiritswerethere,whotaughtustoobtaingraceandbesavedbyourworks.45]ThereforeitisnotaChristianChurcheither;forwhereChristisnotpreached,thereisnoHolyGhostwhocreates,calls,andgatherstheChristianChurch,withoutwhichnoonecancometoChristtheLord.46]Letthissufficeconcerningthesumofthisarticle.Butbecausethepartswhicharehereenumeratedarenotquitecleartothesimple,weshallrunoverthemalso.47]TheCreeddenominatestheholyChristianChurch,communionemsanctorum,acommunionofsaints;forbothexpressions,takentogether,areidentical.Butformerlytheone[thesecond]expressionwasnotthere,andithasbeenpoorlyandunintelligiblytranslatedintoGermaneineGemeinschaftderHeiligen,acommunionofsaints.Ifitistoberenderedplainly,itmustbeexpressedquitedifferentlyintheGermanidiom;forthewordecclesiaproperlymeansinGermaneineVersammlung,anassembly.48]Butweareaccustomedtothewordchurch,bywhichthesimpledonotunderstandanassembledmultitude,buttheconsecratedhouseorbuilding,althoughthehouseoughtnottobecalledachurch,exceptonlyforthereasonthatthemultitudeassemblesthere.Forwewhoassembletheremakeandchooseforourselvesaparticularplace,andgiveanametothehouseaccordingtotheassembly.ThusthewordKirche(church)meansreallynothingelsethanacommonassembly,andisnotGermanbyidiom,butGreek(asisalsothewordecclesia);forintheirownlanguagetheycallitkyria,asinLatinitiscalledcuria.ThereforeingenuineGerman,inourmother‐tongue,itoughttobecalledaChristiancongregationorassembly(einechristlicheGemeindeoderSammlung),or,bestofallandmostclearly,holyChristendom(eineheiligeChristenheit).49]Soalsothewordcommunio,whichisadded,oughtnottoberenderedcommunion(Gemeinschaft),butcongregation(Gemeinde).AnditisnothingelsethananinterpretationorexplanationbywhichsomeonemeanttoexplainwhattheChristianChurchis.Thisourpeople,whounderstoodneitherLatinnorGerman,haverenderedGemeinschaftderHeiligen(communionofsaints),althoughnoGermanlanguagespeaksthus,norunderstandsitthus.ButtospeakcorrectGerman,itoughttobeeineGemeindederHeiligen(acongregationofsaints),thatis,acongregationmadeuppurelyofsaints,or,tospeakyetmoreplainly,eineheiligeGemeinde,aholycongregation.50]IsaythisinorderthatthewordsGemeinschaftderHeiligen(communionofsaints)maybeunderstood,becausetheexpressionhasbecomesoestablishedbycustomthatitcannotwellbeeradicated,anditistreatedalmostasheresyifoneshouldattempttochangeaword.51]Butthisisthemeaningandsubstanceofthisaddition:Ibelievethatthereisuponeartha

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littleholygroupandcongregationofpuresaints,underonehead,evenChrist,calledtogetherbytheHolyGhostinonefaith,onemind,andunderstanding,withmanifoldgifts,yetagreeinginlove,withoutsectsorschisms.52]Iamalsoapartandmemberofthesame,asharerandjointownerofallthegoodsitpossesses,broughttoitandincorporatedintoitbytheHolyGhostbyhavingheardandcontinuingtoheartheWordofGod,whichisthebeginningofenteringit.Forformerly,beforewehadattainedtothis,wewerealtogetherofthedevil,knowingnothingofGodandofChrist.53]Thus,untilthelastday,theHolyGhostabideswiththeholycongregationorChristendom,bymeansofwhichHefetchesustoChristandwhichHeemploystoteachandpreachtoustheWord,wherebyHeworksandpromotessanctification,causingit[thiscommunity]dailytogrowandbecomestronginthefaithanditsfruitswhichHeproduces.54]WefurtherbelievethatinthisChristianChurchwehaveforgivenessofsin,whichiswroughtthroughtheholySacramentsandAbsolution,moreover,throughallmannerofconsolatorypromisesoftheentireGospel.Therefore,whateveristobepreachedconcerningtheSacramentsbelongshere,and,inshort,thewholeGospelandalltheofficesofChristianity,whichalsomustbepreachedandtaughtwithoutceasing.ForalthoughthegraceofGodissecuredthroughChrist,andsanctificationiswroughtbytheHolyGhostthroughtheWordofGodintheunityoftheChristianChurch,yetonaccountofourfleshwhichwebearaboutwithusweareneverwithoutsin.55]Everything,therefore,intheChristianChurchisorderedtotheendthatweshalldailyobtaintherenothingbuttheforgivenessofsinthroughtheWordandsigns,tocomfortandencourageourconsciencesaslongaswelivehere.Thus,althoughwehavesins,the[graceofthe]HolyGhostdoesnotallowthemtoinjureus,becauseweareintheChristianChurch,wherethereisnothingbut[continuous,uninterrupted]forgivenessofsin,bothinthatGodforgivesus,andinthatweforgive,bearwith,andhelpeachother.56]ButoutsideofthisChristianChurch,wheretheGospelisnot,thereisnoforgiveness,asalsotherecanbenoholiness[sanctification].Thereforeallwhoseekandwishtomeritholiness[sanctification],notthroughtheGospelandforgivenessofsin,butbytheirworks,haveexpelledandseveredthemselves[fromthisChurch].57]Meanwhile,however,whilesanctificationhasbegunandisgrowingdaily,weexpectthatourfleshwillbedestroyedandburiedwithallitsuncleanness,andwillcomeforthgloriously,andarisetoentireandperfectholinessinaneweternallife.58]Fornowweareonlyhalfpureandholy,sothattheHolyGhosthasever[somereasonwhy]tocontinueHisworkinusthroughtheWord,anddailytodispenseforgiveness,untilweattaintothatlifewheretherewillbenomoreforgiveness,butonlyperfectlypureandholypeople,fullofgodlinessandrighteousness,removedandfreefromsin,death,andallevil,inanew,immortal,andglorifiedbody.59]Behold,allthisistobetheofficeandworkoftheHolyGhost,thatHebeginanddailyincreaseholinessuponearthbymeansofthesetwothings,theChristianChurchandtheforgivenessofsin.ButinourdissolutionHewillaccomplishitaltogetherinaninstant,andwillforeverpreserveusthereinbythelasttwoparts.60]ButthetermAuferstehungdesFleisches(resurrectionoftheflesh)hereemployedisnotaccordingtogoodGermanidiom.ForwhenweGermanshearthewordFleisch(flesh),wethinknofartherthanoftheshambles.ButingoodGermanidiomwewouldsayAuferstehung

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desLeibes,orLeichnams(resurrectionofthebody).However,itisnotamatterofmuchmoment,ifweonlyunderstandthewordsaright.61]This,now,isthearticlewhichmusteverbeandremaininoperation.Forcreationwehavereceived;redemption,too,isfinishedButtheHolyGhostcarriesonHisworkwithoutceasingtothelastday.AndforthatpurposeHehasappointedacongregationuponearthbywhichHespeaksanddoeseverything.62]ForHehasnotyetbroughttogetherallHisChristianChurchnordispensedforgiveness.ThereforewebelieveinHimwhothroughtheWorddailybringsusintothefellowshipofthisChristianChurch,andthroughthesameWordandtheforgivenessofsinsbestows,increases,andstrengthensfaith,inorderthatwhenHehasaccomplisheditall,andweabidetherein,anddietotheworldandtoallevil,Hemayfinallymakeusperfectlyandforeverholy;whichnowweexpectinfaiththroughtheWord.63]Behold,hereyouhavetheentiredivineessence,will,andworkdepictedmostexquisitelyinquiteshortandyetrichwords,whereinconsistsallourwisdom,whichsurpassesandexceedsthewisdom,mind,andreasonofallmen.ForalthoughthewholeworldwithalldiligencehasendeavoredtoascertainwhatGodis,whatHehasinmindanddoes,yethassheneverbeenabletoattainto[theknowledgeandunderstandingof]anyofthesethings.64]Butherewehaveeverythinginrichestmeasure;forhereinallthreearticlesHehasHimselfrevealedandopenedthedeepestabyssofhispaternalheartandofHispureunutterablelove.ForHehascreatedusforthisveryobject,thatHemightredeemandsanctifyus;andinadditiontogivingandimpartingtouseverythinginheavenanduponearth,HehasgiventousevenHisSonandtheHolyGhost,bywhomtobringustoHimself.65]For(asexplainedabove)wecouldneverattaintotheknowledgeofthegraceandfavoroftheFatherexceptthroughtheLordChrist,whoisamirrorofthepaternalheart,outsideofwhomweseenothingbutanangryandterribleJudge.ButofChristwecouldknownothingeither,unlessithadbeenrevealedbytheHolyGhost.66]ThesearticlesoftheCreed,therefore,divideandseparateusChristiansfromallotherpeopleuponearth.ForalloutsideofChristianity,whetherheathen,Turks,Jews,orfalseChristiansandhypocrites,althoughtheybelievein,andworship,onlyonetrueGod,yetknownotwhatHismindtowardsthemis,andcannotexpectanyloveorblessingfromHim;thereforetheyabideineternalwrathanddamnation.FortheyhavenottheLordChrist,and,besides,arenotilluminedandfavoredbyanygiftsoftheHolyGhost.67]FromthisyouperceivethattheCreedisadoctrinequitedifferentfromtheTenCommandments;forthelatterteachesindeedwhatweoughttodo,buttheformertellswhatGoddoesforusandgivestous.Moreover,apartfromthis,theTenCommandmentsarewrittenintheheartsofallmen;theCreed,however,nohumanwisdomcancomprehend,butitmustbetaughtbytheHolyGhostalone.68]Thelatterdoctrine[oftheLaw],therefore,makesnoChristian,forthewrathanddispleasureofGodabideuponusstill,becausewecannotkeepwhatGoddemandsofus;butthis[namely,thedoctrineoffaith]bringspuregrace,andmakesusgodlyandacceptabletoGod.69]ForbythisknowledgeweobtainloveanddelightinallthecommandmentsofGod,becausehereweseethatGodgivesHimselfentiretous,withallthatHehasandisabletodo,toaidanddirectusinkeepingtheTenCommandments‐theFather,allcreatures;theSon,Hisentirework;andtheHolyGhost,allHisgifts.70]LetthissufficeconcerningtheCreedtolayafoundationforthesimple,thattheymaynotbeburdened,sothat,iftheyunderstandthesubstanceofit,theythemselvesmayafterwards

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strivetoacquiremore,andtorefertothesepartswhatevertheylearnintheScriptures,andmayevergrowandincreaseinricherunderstanding.Foraslongaswelivehere,weshalldailyhaveenoughtodotopreachandtolearnthis.Backtotop

Large Catechism Part Third: Of Prayer.

1]Wehavenowheardwhatwemustdoandbelieve,inwhichthingsthebestandhappiestlifeconsists.Nowfollowsthethirdpart,howweoughttopray.2]ForsincewearesosituatedthatnomancanperfectlykeeptheTenCommandments,eventhoughhehavebeguntobelieve,andsincethedevilwithallhispower,togetherwiththeworldandourownflesh,resistsourendeavors,nothingissonecessaryasthatweshouldcontinuallyresorttotheearofGod,calluponHim,andpraytoHim,thatHewouldgive,preserve,andincreaseinusfaithandthefulfilmentoftheTenCommandments,andthatHewouldremoveeverythingthatisinourwayandopposesustherein.3]Butthatwemightknowwhatandhowtopray,ourLordChristhasHimselftaughtusboththemodeandthewords,asweshallsee.4]ButbeforeweexplaintheLord'sPrayerpartbypart,itismostnecessaryfirsttoexhortandincitepeopletoprayer,asChristandtheapostlesalsohavedone.5]AndthefirstmatteristoknowthatitisourdutytopraybecauseofGod'scommandment.ForthusweheardintheSecondCommandment:ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLord,thyGod,invain,thatwearethererequiredtopraisethatholyname,andcalluponitineveryneed,ortopray.FortocalluponthenameofGodisnothingelsethantopray.6]Prayeristhereforeasstrictlyandearnestlycommandedasallothercommandments:tohavenootherGod,nottokill,nottosteal,etc.Letnoonethinkthatitisallthesamewhetherheprayornot,asvulgarpeopledo,whogropeinsuchdelusionandask,WhyshouldIpray?WhoknowswhetherGodheedsorwillhearmyprayer?IfIdonotpray,someoneelsewill.Andthustheyfallintothehabitofneverpraying,andframeapretext,asthoughwetaughtthatthereisnodutyorneedofprayer,becausewerejectfalseandhypocriticalprayers.7]Butthisistrueindeedthatsuchprayersashavebeenofferedhithertowhenmenwerebabblingandbawlinginthechurcheswerenoprayers.Forsuchexternalmatters,whentheyareproperlyobserved,maybeagoodexerciseforyoungchildren,scholars,andsimplepersons,andmaybecalledsingingorreading,butnotreallypraying.8]Butpraying,astheSecondCommandmentteaches,istocalluponGodineveryneed.ThisHerequiresofus,andhasnotleftittoourchoice.ButitisourdutyandobligationtoprayifwewouldbeChristians,asmuchasitisourdutyandobligationtoobeyourparentsandthegovernment;forbycallinguponitandprayingthenameofGodishonoredandprofitablyemployed.9]Thisyoumustnoteaboveallthings,thattherebyyoumaysilenceandrepelsuchthoughtsaswouldkeepanddeterusfromprayer.Forjustasitwouldbeidleforasontosaytohisfather,"Ofwhatadvantageismyobedience?IwillgoanddowhatIcan;itisallthesame;"buttherestandsthecommandment,Thoushaltandmustdoit,soalsohereitisnotlefttomywilltodoitorleaveitundone,butprayershallandmustbeofferedattheriskofGod'swrathanddispleasure.10]Thisisthereforetobeunderstoodandnotedbeforeeverythingelse,inorderthattherebywemaysilenceandrepelthethoughtswhichwouldkeepanddeterusfrompraying,

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asthoughitwerenotofmuchconsequenceifwedonotpray,orasthoughitwerecommandedthosewhoareholierandinbetterfavorwithGodthanwe;as,indeed,thehumanheartisbynaturesodespondentthatitalwaysfleesfromGodandimaginesthatHedoesnotwishordesireourprayer,becausewearesinnersandhavemeritednothingbutwrath.11]Againstsuchthoughts(Isay)weshouldregardthiscommandmentandturntoGod,thatwemaynotbysuchdisobedienceexciteHisangerstillmore.ForbythiscommandmentHegivesusplainlytounderstandthatHewillnotcastusfromHimnorchaseusaway,althoughwearesinners,butratherdrawustoHimself,sothatwemighthumbleourselvesbeforeHim,bewailthismiseryandplightofours,andprayforgraceandhelp.ThereforewereadintheScripturesthatHeisangryalsowiththosewhoweresmittenfortheirsin,becausetheydidnotreturntoHimandbytheirprayersassuageHiswrathandseekHisgrace.12]Now,fromthefactthatitissosolemnlycommandedtopray,youaretoconcludeandthink,thatnooneshouldbyanymeansdespisehisprayer,butrathersetgreatstorebyit,13]andalwaysseekanillustrationfromtheothercommandments.Achildshouldbynomeansdespisehisobediencetofatherandmother,butshouldalwaysthink:Thisworkisaworkofobedience,andwhatIdoIdowithnootherintentionthanthatImaywalkintheobedienceandcommandmentofGod,onwhichIcansettleandstandfirm,andesteemitagreatthing,notonaccountofmyworthiness,butonaccountofthecommandment.Soherealso,whatandforwhatweprayweshouldregardasdemandedbyGodanddoneinobediencetoHim,andshouldreflectthus:Onmyaccountitwouldamounttonothing;butitshallavail,forthereasonthatGodhascommandedit.Thereforeeverybody,nomatterwhathehastosayinprayer,shouldalwayscomebeforeGodinobediencetothiscommandment.14]Wepray,therefore,andexhorteveryonemostdiligentlytotakethistoheartandbynomeanstodespiseourprayer.Forhithertoithasbeentaughtthusinthedevil'snamethatnooneregardedthesethings,andmensupposedittobesufficienttohavedonethework,whetherGodwouldhearitornot.Butthatisstakingprayeronarisk,andmurmuringitataventure;andthereforeitisalostprayer.15]Forweallowsuchthoughtsasthesetoleadusastrayanddeterus:Iamnotholyorworthyenough;ifIwereasgodlyandholyasSt.PeterorSt.Paul,thenIwouldpray.Butputsuchthoughtsfaraway,forjustthesamecommandmentwhichappliedtoSt.Paulappliesalsotome;andtheSecondCommandmentisgivenasmuchonmyaccountasonhisaccount,sothathecanboastofnobetterorholiercommandment.16]Thereforeyoushouldsay:Myprayerisasprecious,holy,andpleasingtoGodasthatofSt.Paulorofthemostholysaints.Thisisthereason:ForIwillgladlygrantthatheisholierinhisperson,butnotonaccountofthecommandment;sinceGoddoesnotregardprayeronaccountoftheperson,butonaccountofHiswordandobediencethereto.ForonthecommandmentonwhichallthesaintsresttheirprayerI,too,restmine.Moreover,Iprayforthesamethingforwhichtheyallprayandeverhaveprayed;besides,Ihavejustasgreataneedofitasthosegreatsaints,yea,evenagreateronethanthey.17]Letthisbethefirstandmostimportantpoint,thatallourprayersmustbebasedandrestuponobediencetoGod,irrespectiveofourperson,whetherwebesinnersorsaints,worthyorunworthy.18]AndwemustknowthatGodwillnothaveittreatedasajest,butbeangry,andpunishallwhodonotpray,assurelyasHepunishesallotherdisobedience;next,thatHewillnotsufferourprayerstobeinvainorlost.ForifHedidnotintendtoansweryourprayer,Hewouldnotbidyouprayandaddsuchaseverecommandmenttoit.

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19]Inthesecondplace,weshouldbethemoreurgedandincitedtopraybecauseGodhasalsoaddedapromise,anddeclaredthatitshallsurelybedonetousaswepray,asHesaysPs.50,15:CalluponMeinthedayoftrouble:Iwilldeliverthee.AndChristintheGospelofSt.Matthew,7,7:Ask,anditshallbegivenyou.Foreveryonethataskethreceiveth.20]Suchpromisesoughtcertainlytoencourageandkindleourheartstopraywithpleasureanddelight,sinceHetestifieswithHis[own]wordthatourprayerisheartilypleasingtoHim,moreover,thatitshallassuredlybeheardandgranted,inorderthatwemaynotdespiseitorthinklightlyofit,andprayataventure.21]ThisyoucanholduptoHimandsay:HereIcome,dearFather,andpray,notofmyownpurposenoruponmyownworthiness,butatThycommandmentandpromise,whichcannotfailordeceiveme.Whoever,therefore,doesnotbelievethispromisemustknowagainthatheexcitesGodtoangerasapersonwhomosthighlydishonorsHimandreproachesHimwithfalsehood.22]Besidesthis,weshouldbeincitedanddrawntoprayerbecauseinadditiontothiscommandmentandpromiseGodanticipatesus,andHimselfarrangesthewordsandformofprayerforus,andplacesthemuponourlipsastohowandwhatweshouldpray,thatwemayseehowheartilyHepitiesusinourdistress,andmayneverdoubtthatsuchprayerispleasingtoHimandshallcertainlybeanswered;which[theLord'sPrayer]isagreatadvantageindeedoverallotherprayersthatwemightcomposeourselves.23]Forinthemtheconsciencewouldeverbeindoubtandsay:Ihaveprayed,butwhoknowshowitpleasesHim,orwhetherIhavehitupontherightproportionsandform?HencethereisnonoblerprayertobefounduponearththantheLord'sPrayerwhichwedailypray,becauseithasthisexcellenttestimony,thatGodlovestohearit,whichweoughtnottosurrenderforalltherichesoftheworld.24]Andithasbeenprescribedalsoforthisreasonthatweshouldseeandconsiderthedistresswhichoughttourgeandcompelustopraywithoutceasing.Forwhoeverwouldpraymusthavesomethingtopresent,state,andnamewhichhedesires;ifnot,itcannotbecalledaprayer.25]Thereforewehaverightlyrejectedtheprayersofmonksandpriests,whohowlandgrowldayandnightlikefiends;butnoneofthemthinkofprayingforahair'sbreadthofanything.Andifwewouldassembleallthechurches,togetherwithallecclesiastics,theywouldbeobligedtoconfessthattheyhaveneverfromtheheartprayedforevenadropofwine.FornoneofthemhaseverpurposedtoprayfromobediencetoGodandfaithinHispromise,norhasanyoneregardedanydistress,but(whentheyhaddonetheirbest)theythoughtnofurtherthanthis,todoagoodwork,wherebytheymightrepayGod,asbeingunwillingtotakeanythingfromHim,butwishingonlytogiveHimsomething.26]Butwherethereistobeatrueprayer,theremustbeearnestness.Menmustfeeltheirdistress,andsuchdistressaspressesthemandcompelsthemtocallandcryout;thenprayerwillbemadespontaneously,asitoughttobe,andmenwillrequirenoteachinghowtoprepareforitandtoattaintotheproperdevotion.27]Butthedistresswhichoughttoconcernusmost,bothasregardsourselvesandeveryone,youwillfindabundantlysetforthintheLord'sPrayer.Thereforeitistoservealsotoremindusofthesame,thatwecontemplateitandlayittoheart,lestwebecomeremissinprayer.Forweallhaveenoughthatwelack,butthegreatwantisthatwedonotfeelnorseeit.ThereforeGodalsorequires

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thatyoulamentandpleadsuchnecessitiesandwants,notbecauseHedoesnotknowthem,butthatyoumaykindleyourhearttostrongerandgreaterdesires,andmakewideandopenyourcloaktoreceivemuch.28]Therefore,everyoneofusshouldaccustomhimselffromhisyouthdailytoprayforallhiswants,wheneverheissensibleofanythingaffectinghisinterestsorthatofotherpeopleamongwhomhemaylive,asforpreachers,thegovernment,neighbors,domestics,andalways(aswehavesaid)toholduptoGodHiscommandmentandpromise,knowingthatHewillnothavethemdisregarded.29]ThisIsaybecauseIwouldliketoseethesethingsbroughthomeagaintothepeoplethattheymightlearntopraytruly,andnotgoaboutcoldlyandindifferently,wherebytheybecomedailymoreunfitforprayer;whichisjustwhatthedevildesires,andforwhatheworkswithallhispowers.Forheiswellawarewhatdamageandharmitdoeshimwhenprayerisinproperpractise.30]Forthiswemustknow,thatallourshelterandprotectionrestinprayeralone.Forwearefartoofeebletocopewiththedevilandallhispowerandadherentsthatsetthemselvesagainstus,andtheymighteasilycrushusundertheirfeet.Thereforewemustconsiderandtakeupthoseweaponswithwhich31]Christiansmustbearmedinordertostandagainstthedevil.Forwhatdoyouthinkhashithertoaccomplishedsuchgreatthings,hascheckedorquelledthecounsels,purposes,murder,andriotofourenemies,wherebythedevilthoughttocrushus,togetherwiththeGospel,exceptthattheprayerofafewgodlymenintervenedlikeawallofirononourside?Theyshouldelsehavewitnessedafardifferenttragedy,namely,howthedevilwouldhavedestroyedallGermanyinitsownblood.Butnowtheymayconfidentlyderideitandmakeamockofit;however,weshallneverthelessbeamatchbothforthemselvesandthedevilbyprayeralone,ifweonlyperseverediligentlyandnotbecomeslack.32]ForwheneveragodlyChristianprays:DearFather,letThywillbedone,Godspeaksfromonhighandsays:Yes,dearchild,itshallbeso,inspiteofthedevilandalltheworld.33]Letthisbesaidasanexhortation,thatmenmaylearn,firstofall,toesteemprayerassomethinggreatandprecious,andtomakeaproperdistinctionbetweenbabblingandprayingforsomething.Forwebynomeansrejectprayer,butthebare,uselesshowlingandmurmuringwereject,asChristHimselfalsorejectsandprohibitslongpalavers.34]NowweshallmostbrieflyandclearlytreatoftheLord'sPrayer.Herethereiscomprehendedinsevensuccessivearticles,orpetitions,everyneedwhichneverceasestorelatetous,andeachsogreatthatitoughttoconstrainustokeepprayingitallourlives.Backtotop

The First Petition. 35]HallowedbeThyname.36]Thisis,indeed,somewhatobscure,andnotexpressedingoodGerman,forinourmother‐tonguewewouldsay:HeavenlyFather,helpthatbyallmeansThynamemaybeholy.37]ButwhatisittopraythatHisnamemaybeholy?Isitnotholyalready?Answer:Yes,itisalwaysholyinitsnature,butinouruseitisnotholy.ForGod'snamewasgivenuswhenwebecameChristiansandwerebaptized,sothatwearecalledchildrenofGodandhavetheSacraments,bywhichHesoincorporatesusinHimselfthateverythingwhichisGod'smustserveforouruse.

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38]Herenowthegreatneedexistsforwhichweoughttobemostconcerned,thatthisnamehaveitsproperhonor,beesteemedholyandsublimeasthegreatesttreasureandsanctuarythatwehave;andthatasgodlychildrenwepraythatthenameofGod,whichisalreadyholyinheaven,mayalsobeandremainholywithusuponearthandinalltheworld.39]Buthowdoesitbecomeholyamongus?Answer,asplainlyasitcanbesaid:WhenbothourdoctrineandlifearegodlyandChristian.ForsinceinthisprayerwecallGodourFather,itisourdutyalwaystodeportanddemeanourselvesasgodlychildren,thatHemaynotreceiveshame,buthonorandpraisefromus.40]NowthenameofGodisprofanedbyuseitherinwordsorinworks.(Forwhateverwedoupontheearthmustbeeitherwordsorworks,speechoract.)41]Inthefirstplace,then,itisprofanedwhenmenpreach,teach,andspeakinthenameofGodwhatisfalseandmisleading,sothatHisnamemustservetoadornandtofindamarketforfalsehood.Thatis,indeed,thegreatestprofanationanddishonorofthedivinename.Furthermore,alsowhenmen,byswearing,cursing,conjuring,etc.,grosslyabusetheholynameasacloakfortheirshame.Inthesecondplace,alsobyanopenlywickedlifeandworks,whenthosewhoarecalledChristiansandthepeopleofGodareadulterers,drunkards,misers,envious,andslanderers.42]HereagainmustthenameofGodcometoshameandbeprofanedbecauseofus.43]Forjustasitisashameanddisgracetoanaturalfathertohaveabad,perversechildthatopposeshiminwordsanddeeds,sothatonitsaccounthesufferscontemptandreproach,44]soalsoitbringsdishonoruponGodifwewhoarecalledbyHisnameandhaveallmannerofgoodsfromHimteach,speak,andliveinanyothermannerexceptasgodlyandheavenlychildren,sothatpeoplesayofusthatwemustbenotGod's,butthedevil'schildren.45]ThusyouseethatinthispetitionweprayjustforthatwhichGoddemandsintheSecondCommandment;namely,thatHisnamebenottakeninvaintoswear,curse,lie,deceive,etc.,butbeusefullyemployedtothepraiseandhonorofGod.ForwhoeveremploysthenameofGodforanysortofwrongprofanesanddesecratesthisholyname,asaforetimeachurchwasconsidereddesecratedwhenamurderoranyothercrimehadbeencommittedinit,orwhenapyxorrelicwasdesecrated,asbeingholyinthemselves,yetbecomeunholyinuse.46]Thusthispointiseasyandclearifonlythelanguageisunderstood,thattohallowisthesameasinouridiomtopraise,magnify,andhonorbothinwordanddeed.47]Here,now,learnhowgreatneedthereisofsuchprayer.Forbecauseweseehowfulltheworldisofsectsandfalseteachers,whoallweartheholynameasacoverandshamfortheirdoctrinesofdevils,weoughtbyallmeanstopraywithoutceasing,andtocryandcalluponGodagainstallsuchaspreachandbelievefalselyandwhateveropposesandpersecutesourGospelandpuredoctrine,andwouldsuppressit,asbishopstyrants,enthusiasts,etc.LikewisealsoforourselveswhohavetheWordofGod,butarenotthankfulforit,norliveasweoughtaccordingtothesame.48]Ifnowyouprayforthiswithyourheart,youcanbesurethatitpleasesGod;forHewillnothearanythingmoredeartoHimthanthatHishonorandpraiseisexaltedaboveeverythingelse,andHisWordistaughtinitspurityandisesteemedpreciousanddear.Backtotop

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The Second Petition.Thykingdomcome.49]AsweprayedintheFirstPetitionconcerningthehonorandnameofGodthatHewouldpreventtheworldfromadorningitsliesandwickednesswithit,butcauseittobeesteemedsublimeandholybothindoctrineandlife,sothatHemaybepraisedandmagnifiedinus,soherewepraythatHiskingdomalsomaycome.50]ButjustasthenameofGodisinitselfholy,andweprayneverthelessthatitbeholyamongus,soalsoHiskingdomcomesofitself,withoutourprayer,yetweprayneverthelessthatitmaycometous,thatis,prevailamongusandwithus,sothatwemaybeapartofthoseamongwhomHisnameishallowedandHiskingdomprospers.51]ButwhatisthekingdomofGod?Answer:NothingelsethanwhatwelearnedintheCreed,thatGodsentHisSonJesusChrist,ourLord,intotheworldtoredeemanddeliverusfromthepowerofthedevil,andtobringustoHimself,andtogovernusasaKingofrighteousness,life,andsalvationagainstsin,death,andanevilconscience,forwhichendHehasalsobestowedHisHolyGhost,whoistobringthesethingshometousbyHisholyWord,andtoillumineandstrengthenusinthefaithbyHispower.52]Thereforeweprayhereinthefirstplacethatthismaybecomeeffectivewithus,andthatHisnamebesopraisedthroughtheholyWordofGodandaChristianlifethatbothwewhohaveaccepteditmayabideanddailygrowtherein,andthatitmaygainapprobationandadherenceamongotherpeopleandproceedwithpowerthroughouttheworld,thatmanymayfindentranceintotheKingdomofGrace,bemadepartakersofredemption,beingledtheretobytheHolyGhost,inorderthatthuswemayalltogetherremainforeverintheonekingdomnowbegun.53]ForthecomingofGod'sKingdomtousoccursintwoways;first,hereintimethroughtheWordandfaith;andsecondly,ineternityforeverthroughrevelation.Nowweprayforboththesethings,thatitmaycometothosewhoarenotyetinit,and,bydailyincrease,touswhohavereceivedthesame,andhereafterineternallife.54]Allthisisnothingelsethansaying:DearFather,wepray,giveusfirstThyWord,thattheGospelbepreachedproperlythroughouttheworld;andsecondly,thatitbereceivedinfaith,andworkandliveinus,sothatthroughtheWordandthepoweroftheHolyGhostThykingdommayprevailamongus,andthekingdomofthedevilbeputdown,thathemayhavenorightorpoweroverus,untilatlastitshallbeutterlydestroyed,andsin,death,andhellshallbeexterminated,thatwemayliveforeverinperfectrighteousnessandblessedness.55]Fromthisyouperceivethatweprayherenotforacrustofbreadoratemporal,perishablegood,butforaneternalinestimabletreasureandeverythingthatGodHimselfpossesses;whichisfartoogreatforanyhumanhearttothinkofdesiringifHehadnotHimselfcommandedustoprayforthesame.56]ButbecauseHeisGod,Healsoclaimsthehonorofgivingmuchmoreandmoreabundantlythananyonecancomprehend,—likeaneternal,unfailingfountain,which,themoreitpoursforthandoverflows,themoreitcontinuestogive,—andHedesiresnothingmoreearnestlyofusthanthatweaskmuchandgreatthingsofHim,andagainisangryifwedonotaskandprayconfidently.57]Forjustaswhentherichestandmostmightyemperorwouldbidapoorbeggaraskwhateverhemightdesire,andwerereadytogivegreatimperialpresents,andthefoolwouldbegonlyforadishofgruel,hewouldberightlyconsideredarogueandascoundrel,who

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treatedthecommandofhisimperialmajestyasajestandsport,andwasnotworthyofcomingintohispresence:soalsoitisagreatreproachanddishonortoGodifwe,towhomHeoffersandpledgessomanyunspeakabletreasures,despisethesame,orhavenottheconfidencetoreceivethem,butscarcelyventuretoprayforapieceofbread.58]AllthisisthefaultoftheshamefulunbeliefwhichdoesnotlooktoGodforasmuchgoodaswillsatisfythestomach,muchlessexpectswithoutdoubtsucheternaltreasuresofGod.Thereforewemuststrengthenourselvesagainstit,andletthisbeourfirstprayer;then,indeed,weshallhaveallelseinabundance,asChristteaches[Matt.6,33]:SeekyefirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousness,andallthesethingsshallbeaddeduntoyou.ForhowcouldHeallowustosufferwantandtobestraitenedintemporalthingswhenHepromisesthatwhichiseternalandimperishable?Backtotop

The Third Petition.59]Thywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.60]ThusfarwehaveprayedthatGod'snamebehonoredbyus,andthatHiskingdomprevailamongus;inwhichtwopointsiscomprehendedallthatpertainstothehonorofGodandtooursalvation,thatwereceiveasourownGodandallHisriches.Butnowaneedjustasgreatarises,namely,thatwefirmlykeepthem,anddonotsufferourselvestobetorntherefrom.61]Forasinagoodgovernmentitisnotonlynecessarythattherebethosewhobuildandgovernwell,butalsothosewhomakedefense,affordprotectionandmaintainitfirmly,soherelikewise,althoughwehaveprayedforthegreatestneed,fortheGospel,faith,andtheHolyGhost,thatHemaygovernusandredeemusfromthepowerofthedevil,wemustalsopraythatHiswillbedone.Fortherewillbehappeningsquitestrangeifwearetoabidetherein,asweshallhavetosuffermanythrustsandblowsonthataccountfromeverythingthatventurestoopposeandpreventthefulfilmentofthetwopetitionsthatprecede.62]Fornoonebelieveshowthedevilopposesandresiststhem,andcannotsufferthatanyoneteachorbelievearight.Andithurtshimbeyondmeasuretosufferhisliesandabominations,thathavebeenhonoredunderthemostspeciouspretextsofthedivinename,tobeexposed,andtobedisgracedhimself,and,besides,bedrivenoutoftheheart,andsuffersuchabreachtobemadeinhiskingdom.Thereforehechafesandragesasafierceenemywithallhispowerandmight,andmarshalsallhissubjects,and,inaddition,enliststheworldandourownfleshashisallies.63]Forourfleshisinitselfindolentandinclinedtoevil,eventhoughwehaveacceptedandbelievetheWordofGod.Theworld,however,isperverseandwicked;thisheincitesagainstus,fansandstirsthefire,thathemayhinderanddriveusback,causeustofall,andagainbringusunderhispower.64]Suchisallhiswill,mind,andthought,forwhichhestrivesdayandnight,andneverrestsamoment,employingallarts,wiles,ways,andmeanswhicheverhecaninvent.65]IfwewouldbeChristians,therefore,wemustsurelyexpectandreckonuponhavingthedevilwithallhisangelsandtheworldasourenemieswhowillbringeverypossiblemisfortuneandgriefuponus.ForwheretheWordofGodispreached,accepted,orbelieved,andproducesfruit,theretheholycrosscannotbewanting.Andletnoonethinkthatheshallhavepeace;buthemustriskwhateverhehasuponearth—possessions,honor,houseand

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estate,wifeandchildren,bodyandlife.66]Now,thishurtsourfleshandtheoldAdam;forthetestistobesteadfastandtosufferwithpatienceinwhateverwayweareassailed,andtoletgowhateveristakenfromus.67]Hencethereisjustasgreatneed,asinalltheothers,thatwepraywithoutceasing:"DearFather,Thywillbedone,notthewillofthedevilandofourenemies,norofanythingthatwouldpersecuteandsuppressThyholyWordorhinderThykingdom;andgrantthatwemaybearwithpatienceandovercomewhateveristobeenduredonthataccount,lestourpoorfleshyieldorfallawayfromweaknessorsluggishness."68]Behold,thuswehaveinthesethreepetitions,inthesimplestmanner,theneedwhichrelatestoGodHimself,yetallforoursakes.Forwhateverweprayconcernsonlyus,namely,aswehavesaid,thatwhatmustbedoneanywaywithoutus,mayalsobedoneinus.ForasHisnamemustbehallowedandHiskingdomcomewithoutourprayer,soalsoHiswillmustbedoneandsucceed,althoughthedevilwithallhisadherentsraiseagreattumult,areangryandrageagainstit,andundertaketoexterminatetheGospelutterly.ButforourownsakeswemustpraythatevenagainsttheirfuryHiswillbedonewithouthindrancealsoamongus,thattheymaynotbeabletoaccomplishanythingandweremainfirmagainstallviolenceandpersecution,andsubmittosuchwillofGod.69]Suchprayer,then,istobeourprotectionanddefensenow,istorepelandputdownallthatthedevil,Pope,bishops,tyrants,andhereticscapdoagainstourGospel.Letthemallrageandattempttheirutmost,anddeliberateandresolvehowtheymaysuppressandexterminateus,thattheirwillandcounselmayprevail:overandagainstthisoneortwoChristianswiththispetitionaloneshallbeourwallagainstwhichtheyshallrunanddashthemselvestopieces.70]Thisconsolationandconfidencewehave,thatthewillandpurposeofthedevilandofallourenemiesshallandmustfailandcometonaught,howeverproud,secure,andpowerfultheyknowthemselvestobe.Foriftheirwillwerenotbrokenandhindered,thekingdomofGodcouldnotabideonearthnorHisnamebehallowed.Backtotop

The Fourth Petition.71]Giveusthisdayourdailybread.72]Here,now,weconsiderthepoorbreadbasket,thenecessariesofourbodyandofthetemporallife.Itisabriefandsimpleword,butithasaverywidescope.Forwhenyoumentionandprayfordailybread,youprayforeverythingthatisnecessaryinordertohaveandenjoydailybreadand,ontheotherhand,againsteverythingwhichinterfereswithit.Thereforeyoumustopenwideandextendyourthoughtsnotonlytotheovenortheflour‐bin,buttothedistantfieldandtheentireland,whichbearsandbringstousdailybreadandeverysortofsustenance.ForifGoddidnotcauseittogrow,andblessandpreserveitinthefield,wecouldnevertakebreadfromtheovenorhaveanytosetuponthetable.73]Tocompriseitbriefly,thispetitionincludeseverythingthatbelongstoourentirelifeintheworld,becauseonthataccountalonedoweneeddailybread.Nowforourlifeitisnotonlynecessarythatourbodyhavefoodandcoveringandothernecessaries,butalsothatwe

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spendourdaysinpeaceandquietamongthepeoplewithwhomweliveandhaveintercourseindailybusinessandconversationandallsortsofdoings,inshort,whateverpertainsbothtothedomesticandtotheneighborlyorcivilrelationandgovernment.Forwherethesetwothingsarehindered[interceptedanddisturbed]thattheydonotprosperastheyought,thenecessariesoflifealsoareimpeded,sothatultimatelylifecannotbemaintained.74]Andthereis,indeed,thegreatestneedtoprayfortemporalauthorityandgovernment,asthatbywhichmostofallGodpreservestousourdailybreadandallthecomfortsofthislife.ForthoughwehavereceivedofGodallgoodthingsinabundance,wearenotabletoretainanyofthemorusetheminsecurityandhappiness,ifHedidnotgiveusapermanentandpeacefulgovernment.Forwheretherearedissension,strife,andwar,therethedailybreadisalreadytakenaway,oratleastchecked.75]Thereforeitwouldbeverypropertoplaceinthecoat‐of‐armsofeverypiousprincealoafofbreadinsteadofalion,orawreathofrue,ortostampituponthecoin,toremindboththemandtheirsubjectsthatbytheirofficewehaveprotectionandpeace,andthatwithoutthemwecouldnotcatandretainourdailybread.Thereforetheyarealsoworthyofallhonor,thatwegivetothemfortheirofficewhatweoughtandcan,astothosethroughwhomweenjoyinpeaceandquietnesswhatwehave,becauseotherwisewewouldnotkeepafarthing;andthat,inaddition,wealsoprayforthemthatthroughthemGodmaybestowonusthemoreblessingandgood.76]Letthisbeaverybriefexplanationandsketch,showinghowfarthispetitionextendsthroughallconditionsonearth.Ofthisanyonemightindeedmakealongprayer,andwithmanywordsenumerateallthethingsthatareincludedtherein,asthatweprayGodtogiveusfoodanddrink,clothing,house,andhome,andhealthofbody;alsothatHecausethegrainandfruitsofthefieldtogrowandmaturewell;furthermore,thatHehelpusathometowardsgoodhousekeeping,thatHegiveandpreservetousagodlywife,children,andservants,thatHecauseourwork,trade,orwhateverweareengagedintoprosperandsucceed,favoruswithfaithfulneighborsandgoodfriends,etc.77]Likewise,thatHegivetoemperors,kings,andallestates,andespeciallytotherulersofourcountryandtoallcounselors,magistrates,andofficers,wisdom,strength,andsuccessthattheymaygovernwellandvanquishtheTurksandallenemies;tosubjectsandthecommonpeople,obedience,peace,andharmonyintheirlifewithoneanother;78]andontheotherhand,thatHewouldpreserveusfromallsortsofcalamitytobodyandlivelihood,aslightning,hail,fire,flood,poison,pestilence,cattle‐plague,warandbloodshed,famine,destructivebeasts,wickedmen,etc.79]Allthisitiswelltoimpressuponthesimple,namely,thatthesethingscomefromGod,andmustbeprayedforbyus.80]Butthispetitionisespeciallydirectedalsoagainstourchiefenemy,thedevil.ForallhisthoughtanddesireistodepriveusofallthatwehavefromGod,ortohinderit;andheisnotsatisfiedtoobstructanddestroyspiritualgovernmentinleadingsoulsastraybyhisliesandbringingthemunderhispower,buthealsopreventsandhindersthestabilityofallgovernmentandhonorable,peaceablerelationsonearth.Therehecausessomuchcontention,murder,sedition,andwar,alsolightningandhailtodestroygrainandcattle,topoisontheair,etc.81]Inshort,heissorrythatanyonehasamorselofbreadfromGodandeatsitinpeace;andifitwereinhispower,andourprayer(nexttoGod)didnotpreventhim,wewouldnotkeepastrawinthefield,afarthinginthehouse,yea,notevenourlifeforanhour,especiallythosewhohavetheWordofGodandwouldliketobeChristians.82]Behold,thusGodwishestoindicatetoushowHecaresforusinallourneed,and

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faithfullyprovidesalsoforourtemporalsupport.83]AndalthoughHeabundantlygrantsandpreservesthesethingseventothewickedandknaves,yetHewishesthatweprayforthem,inorderthatwemayrecognizethatwereceivethemfromHishand,andmayfeelHispaternalgoodnesstowardustherein.ForwhenHewithdrawsHishand,nothingcanprospernorbemaintainedintheend,as,indeed,wedailyseeandexperience.84]Howmuchtroublethereisnowintheworldonlyonaccountofbadcoin,yea,onaccountofdailyoppressionandraisingofpricesincommontrade,bargainingandlaboronthepartofthosewhowantonlyoppressthepooranddeprivethemoftheirdailybread!Thiswemustsufferindeed;butletthemtakecarethattheydonotlosethecommonintercession,andbewarelestthispetitionintheLord'sPrayerbeagainstthem.Backtotop

The Fifth Petition.85]Andforgiveusourtrespasses,asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.86]Thispartnowrelatestoourpoormiserablelife,which,althoughwehaveandbelievetheWordofGod,anddoandsubmittoHiswill,andaresupportedbyHisgiftsandblessings,isneverthelessnotwithoutsin.Forwestillstumbledailyandtransgressbecauseweliveintheworldamongmenwhodousmuchharmandgiveuscauseforimpatience,anger,revenge,etc.87]Besides,wehaveSatanatourback,whosetsuponusoneveryside,andfights(aswehaveheard)againstalltheforegoingpetitions,sothatitisnotpossiblealwaystostandfirminsuchapersistentconflict.88]ThereforethereishereagaingreatneedtocalluponGodandtopray:DearFather,forgiveusourtrespasses.NotasthoughHedidnotforgivesinwithoutandevenbeforeourprayer(forHehasgivenustheGospel,inwhichispureforgivenessbeforeweprayedoreverthoughtaboutit).Butthisistotheintentthatwemayrecognizeandacceptsuchforgiveness.89]ForsincethefleshinwhichwedailyliveisofsuchanaturethatitneithertrustsnorbelievesGod,andiseveractiveinevillustsanddevices,sothatwesindailyinwordanddeed,bycommissionandomission,bywhichtheconscienceisthrownintounrest,sothatitisafraidofthewrathanddispleasureofGod,andthuslosesthecomfortandconfidencederivedfromtheGospel;thereforeitisceaselesslynecessarythatwerunhitherandobtainconsolationtocomforttheconscienceagain.90]ButthisshouldserveGod'spurposeofbreakingourprideandkeepingushumble.Forincaseanyoneshouldboastofhisgodlinessanddespiseothers,GodhasreservedthisprerogativetoHimself,thatthepersonistoconsiderhimselfandplacethisprayerbeforehiseyes,andhewillfindthatheisnobetterthanothers,andthatinthepresenceofGodallmustlowertheirplumes,andbegladthattheycanattainforgiveness.91]Andletnoonethinkthataslongasweliveherehecanreachsuchapositionthathewillnotneedsuchforgiveness.Inshort,ifGoddoesnotforgivewithoutceasing,wearelost.92]ItisthereforetheintentofthispetitionthatGodwouldnotregardoursinsandholduptouswhatwedailydeserve,butwoulddealgraciouslywithus,andforgive,asHehaspromised,andthusgrantusajoyfulandconfidentconsciencetostandbeforeHiminprayer.ForwheretheheartisnotinrightrelationtowardsGod,norcantakesuchconfidence,itwillnevermoreventuretopray.Butsuchaconfidentandjoyfulheartcanspringfromnothing

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elsethanthe[certain]knowledgeoftheforgivenessofsin.93]Butthereishereattachedanecessary,yetconsolatoryaddition:Asweforgive.Hehaspromisedthatweshallbesurethateverythingisforgivenandpardoned,yetinthemannerthatwealsoforgiveourneighbor.94]ForjustaswedailysinmuchagainstGod,andyetHeforgiveseverythingthroughgrace,sowe,too,musteverforgiveourneighborwhodoesusinjury,violence,andwrong,showsmalicetowardus,etc.95]If,therefore,youdonotforgive,thendonotthinkthatGodforgivesyou;butifyouforgive,youhavethisconsolationandassurance,thatyouareforgiveninheaven,notonaccountofyourforgiving,forGodforgivesfreelyandwithoutcondition,outofpuregrace,becauseHehassopromised,astheGospelteaches,butinorderthatHemaysetthisupforourconfirmationandassuranceforasignalongsideofthepromisewhichaccordswiththisprayer,Luke6,37:Forgive,andyeshallbeforgiven.ThereforeChristalsorepeatsitsoonaftertheLord'sPrayer,andsays,Matt.6,14:Forifyeforgivementheirtrespasses,yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyou,etc.97]Thissignisthereforeattachedtothispetition,that,whenwepray,werememberthepromiseandreflectthus:DearFather,forthisreasonIcomeandprayTheetoforgiveme,notthatIcanmakesatisfaction,orcanmeritanythingbymyworks,butbecauseThouhastpromisedandattachedthesealtheretothatIshouldbeassureasthoughIhadabsolutionpronouncedbyThyself.98]ForasmuchasBaptismandtheLord'sSupper,appointedasexternalsigns,effect,somuchalsothissigncaneffecttoconfirmourconsciencesandcausethemtorejoice.Anditisespeciallygivenforthispurpose,thatwemightuseandpractiseiteveryhour,asathingthatwehavewithusatalltimes.Backtotop

The Sixth Petition.99]Andleadusnotintotemptation.100]Wehavenowheardenoughwhattoilandlaborisrequiredtoretainallthatforwhichwepray,andtoperseveretherein,which,however,isnotachievedwithoutinfirmitiesandstumbling.Besides,althoughwehavereceivedforgivenessandagoodconscienceandareentirelyacquitted,yetisourlifeofsuchanaturethatonestandsto‐dayandto‐morrowfalls.Therefore,eventhoughwebegodlynowandstandbeforeGodwithagoodconscience,wemustprayagainthatHewouldnotsufferustorelapseandyieldtotrialsandtemptations.101]Temptation,however,or(asourSaxonsinoldentimesusedtocallit)Bekoerunge,isofthreekinds,namely,oftheflesh,oftheworld,andofthedevil.102]ForinthefleshwedwellandcarrytheoldAdamaboutourneck,whoexertshimselfandincitesusdailytoinchastity,laziness,gluttonyanddrunkenness,avariceanddeception,todefraudourneighborandtooverchargehim,and,inshort,toallmannerofevillustswhichcleavetousbynature,andtowhichweareincitedbythesociety,exampleandwhatwehearandseeofotherpeople,whichoftenwoundandinflameevenaninnocentheart.103]Nextcomestheworld,whichoffendsusinwordanddeed,andimpelsustoanger,andimpatience.Inshort,thereisnothingbuthatredandenvy,enmity,violenceandwrong,unfaithfulness,vengeance,cursing,raillery,slander,prideandhaughtiness,withsuperfluousfinery,honor,fame,andpower,wherenooneiswillingtobetheleast,buteveryonedesires

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tositattheheadandtobeseenbeforeall.104]Thencomesthedevil,incitingandprovokinginalldirections,butespeciallyagitatingmattersthatconcerntheconscienceandspiritualaffairs,namely,toinduceustodespiseanddisregardboththeWordandworksofGod,totearusawayfromfaith,hope,andlove,andbringusintomisbelief,falsesecurity,andobduracy,or,ontheotherhand,todespair,denialofGod,blasphemy,andinnumerableothershockingthings.Theseareindeedsnaresandnets,yea,realfierydartswhichareshotmostvenomouslyintotheheart,notbyfleshandblood,butbythedevil.105]Greatandgrievous,indeed,arethesedangersandtemptationswhicheveryChristianmustbear,eventhougheachonewerealonebyhimself,sothateveryhourthatweareinthisvilelifewhereweareattackedonallsides,chasedandhunteddown,wearemovedtocryoutandtopraythatGodwouldnotsufferustobecomewearyandfaintandtorelapseintosin,shame,andunbelief.Forotherwiseitisimpossibletoovercomeeventheleasttemptation.106]This,then,isleadingusnotintotemptation,towit,whenHegivesuspowerandstrengthtoresist,thetemptation,however,notbeingtakenawayorremoved.Forwhileweliveinthefleshandhavethedevilaboutus,noonecanescapetemptationandallurements;anditcannotbeotherwisethanthatwemustenduretrials,yea,beengulfedinthem;butweprayforthis,thatwemaynotfallandbedrownedinthem.107]Tofeeltemptationisthereforeafardifferentthingfromconsentingoryieldingtoit.Wemustallfeelit,althoughnotallinthesamemanner,butsomeinagreaterdegreeandmoreseverelythanothers;as,theyoungsufferespeciallyfromtheflesh,afterwards,theythatattaintomiddlelifeandoldage,fromtheworld,butotherswhoareoccupiedwithspiritualmatters,thatis,strongChristians,fromthedevil.108]Butsuchfeeling,aslongasitisagainstourwillandwewouldratherberidofit,canharmnoone.Forifwedidnotfeelit,itcouldnotbecalledatemptation.Buttoconsenttheretoiswhenwegiveitthereinsanddonotresistorprayagainstit.109]ThereforeweChristiansmustbearmedanddailyexpecttobeincessantlyattacked,inorderthatnoonemaygooninsecurityandheedlessly,asthoughthedevilwerefarfromus,butatalltimesexpectandparryhisblows.ForthoughIamnowchaste,patient,kind,andinfirmfaith,thedevilwillthisveryhoursendsuchanarrowintomyheartthatIcanscarcelystand.Forheisanenemythatneverdesistsnorbecomestired,sothatwhenonetemptationceases,therealwaysariseothersandfreshones.110]Accordingly,thereisnohelporcomfortexcepttorunhitherandtotakeholdoftheLord'sPrayer,andthusspeaktoGodfromtheheart:DearFather,Thouhastbiddenmepray;letmenotrelapsebecauseoftemptations.Thenyouwillseethattheymustdesist,andfinallyacknowledgethemselvesconquered.111]Elseifyouventuretohelpyourselfbyyourownthoughtsandcounsel,youwillonlymakethematterworseandgivethedevilmorespace.Forhehasaserpent'shead,whichifitgainanopeningintowhichhecanslip,thewholebodywillfollowwithoutcheck.Butprayercanpreventhimanddrivehimback.Backtotop

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The Seventh Petition.112]Butdeliverusfromevil.Amen.113]IntheGreektextthispetitionreadsthus:DeliverorpreserveusfromtheEvilOne,ortheMaliciousOne;anditlooksasifHewerespeakingofthedevil,asthoughHewouldcomprehendeverythinginone,sothattheentiresubstanceofallourprayerisdirectedagainstourchiefenemy.Foritishewhohindersamonguseverythingthatweprayfor:thenameorhonorofGod,God'skingdomandwill,ourdailybread,acheerfulgoodconscience,etc.114]Thereforewefinallysumitallupandsay:DearFather,pray,helpthatweberidofallthesecalamities.115]Butthereisneverthelessalsoincludedwhateverevilmayhappentousunderthedevil'skingdom—poverty,shame,death,and,inshort,alltheagonizingmiseryandheartacheofwhichthereissuchanunnumberedmultitudeontheearth.Forsincethedevilisnotonlyaliar,butalsoamurderer,heconstantlyseeksourlife,andwreakshisangerwheneverhecanafflictourbodieswithmisfortuneandharm.Henceitcomesthatheoftenbreaksmen'snecksordrivesthemtoinsanity,drownssome,andincitesmanytocommitsuicide,andtomanyotherterriblecalamities.116]Thereforethereisnothingforustodouponearthbuttoprayagainstthisarch‐enemywithoutceasing.ForunlessGodpreservedus,wewouldnotbesafefromhimevenforanhour.117]HenceyouseeagainhowGodwishesustopraytoHimalsoforallthethingswhichaffectourbodilyinterests,sothatweseekandexpecthelpnowhereelseexceptinHim.118]ButthismatterHehasputlast;forifwearetobepreservedanddeliveredfromallevil,thenameofGodmustfirstbehallowedinus,Hiskingdommustbewithus,andHiswillbedone.AfterthatHewillfinallypreserveusfromsinandshame,and,besides,fromeverythingthatmayhurtorinjureus.119]ThusGodhasbrieflyplacedbeforeusallthedistresswhichmayevercomeuponus,sothatwemighthavenoexcusewhateverfornotpraying.Butalldependsuponthis,thatwelearnalsotosayAmen,thatis,thatwedonotdoubtthatourprayerissurelyheard,and[whatwepray]shallbedone.Forthisisnothingelsethanthewordofundoubtingfaith,whichdoesnotprayataventure,butknowsthatGoddoesnotlietohim,sinceHehaspromisedtograntit.120]Therefore,wherethereisnosuchfaith,therecannotbetrueprayereither.121]Itis,therefore,aperniciousdelusionofthosewhoprayinsuchamannerthattheydarenotfromtheheartsayyeaandpositivelyconcludethatGodhearsthem,butremainindoubtandsay,HowshouldIbesoboldastoboastthatGodhearsmyprayer?ForIambutapoorsinner,etc.122]Thereasonforthisis,theyregardnotthepromiseofGod,buttheirownworkandworthiness,wherebytheydespiseGodandreproachHimwithlying,andthereforetheyreceivenothing.123]AsSt.James1,6says:Butlethimaskinfaith,nothingwavering;forhethatwaverethislikeawaveofthesea,drivenwiththewindandtossed.ForletnotthatmanthinkthatheshallreceiveanythingoftheLord.124]Behold,suchimportanceGodattachestothefactthatwearesurewedonotprayinvain,andthatwedonotinanywaydespiseourprayer.Backtotop

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Large Catechism Parth Fourth: Of Baptism.

1]WehavenowfinishedthethreechiefpartsofthecommonChristiandoctrine.BesidesthesewehaveyettospeakofourtwoSacramentsinstitutedbyChrist,ofwhichalsoeveryChristianoughttohaveatleastanordinary,briefinstruction,becausewithoutthemtherecanbenoChristian;although,alas!hithertonoinstructionconcerningthemhasbeengiven.2]But,inthefirstplace,wetakeupBaptism,bywhichwearefirstreceivedintotheChristianChurch.However,inorderthatitmaybereadilyunderstood,wewilltreatofitinanorderlymanner,andkeeponlytothatwhichitisnecessaryforustoknow.Forhowitistobemaintainedanddefendedagainsthereticsandsectswewillcommendtothelearned.3]Inthefirstplace,wemustaboveallthingsknowwellthewordsuponwhichBaptismisfounded,andtowhicheverythingrefersthatistobesaidonthesubject,namely,wheretheLordChristspeaksinMatthew28,19:4]Goyethereforeandteachallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.LikewiseinSt.Mark16,16:5]Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved;buthethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.6]Inthesewordsyoumustnote,inthefirstplace,thatherestandGod'scommandmentandinstitution,lestwedoubtthatBaptismisdivine,notdevisednorinventedbymen.ForastrulyasIcansay,NomanhasspuntheTenCommandments,theCreed,andtheLord'sPrayeroutofhishead,buttheyarerevealedandgivenbyGodHimself,soalsoIcanboastthatBaptismisnohumantrifle,butinstitutedbyGodHimself,moreover,thatitismostsolemnlyandstrictlycommandedthatwemustbebaptizedorwecannotbesaved,lestanyoneregarditasatriflingmatter,likeputtingonanewredcoat.7]ForitisofthegreatestimportancethatweesteemBaptism8]excellent,glorious,andexalted,forwhichwecontendandfightchiefly,becausetheworldisnowsofullofsectsclamoringthatBaptismisanexternalthing,andthatexternalthingsareofnobenefit.Butletitbeeversomuchanexternalthing,herestandGod'sWordandcommandwhichinstitute,establish,andconfirmBaptism.ButwhatGodinstitutesandcommandscannotbeavain,butmustbeamostpreciousthing,thoughinappearanceitwereoflessvaluethanastraw.9]IfhithertopeoplecouldconsideritagreatthingwhenthePopewithhislettersandbullsdispensedindulgencesandconfirmedaltarsandchurches,solelybecauseofthelettersandseals,weoughttoesteemBaptismmuchmorehighlyandmoreprecious,becauseGodhascommandedit,and,besides,itisperformedinHisname.Forthesearethewords,Goye,baptize;however,notinyourname,butinthenameofGod.10]FortobebaptizedinthenameofGodistobebaptizednotbymen,butbyGodHimself.Therefore,althoughitisperformedbyhumanhands,itisneverthelesstrulyGod'sownwork.Fromthisfacteveryonemayhimselfreadilyinferthatitisafarhigherworkthananyworkperformedbyamanorasaint.ForwhatworkgreaterthantheworkofGodcanwedo?11]Butherethedevilisbusytodeludeuswithfalseappearances,andleadusawayfronttheworkofGodtoourownworks.ForthereisamuchmoresplendidappearancewhenaCarthusiandoesmanygreatanddifficultworks;andweallthinkmuchmoreofthatwhichwedoandmeritourselves.12]ButtheScripturesteachthus:Eventhoughwecollectinone

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masstheworksofallthemonks,howeversplendidlytheymayshine,theywouldnotbeasnobleandgoodasifGodshouldpickupastraw.Why?Becausethepersonisnoblerandbetter.Here,then,wemustnotestimatethepersonaccordingtotheworks,buttheworksaccordingtotheperson,fromwhomtheymustderivetheirnobility.13]Butinsanereasonwillnotregardthis,andbecauseBaptismdoesnotshineliketheworkswhichwedo,itistobeesteemedasnothing.14]Fromthisnowlearnaproperunderstandingofthesubject,andhowtoanswerthequestionwhatBaptismis,namelythus,thatitisnotmereordinarywater,butwatercomprehendedinGod'sWordandcommand,andsanctifiedthereby,sothatitisnothingelsethanadivinewater;notthatthewaterinitselfisnoblerthanotherwater,butthatGod'sWordandcommandareadded.15]Thereforeitispurewickednessandblasphemyofthedevilthatnowournewspirits,tomockatBaptism,omitfromitGod'sWordandinstitution,andlookuponitinnootherwaythanaswaterwhichistakenfromthewell,andthenblatherandsay:Howisahandfulofwatertohelpthesoul?16]Aye,myfriend,whodoesnotknowthatwateriswateriftearingthingsasunderiswhatweareafter?ButhowdareyouthusinterferewithGod'sorder,andtearawaythemostprecioustreasurewithwhichGodhasconnectedandenclosedit,andwhichHewillnothaveseparated?ForthekernelinthewaterisGod'sWordorcommandandthenameofGod,whichisatreasuregreaterandnoblerthanheavenandearth.17]Comprehendthedifference,then,thatBaptismisquiteanotherthingthanallotherwater;notonaccountofthenaturalqualitybutbecausesomethingmorenobleishereadded;forGodHimselfstakesHishonor,Hispowerandmightonit.Thereforeitisnotonlynaturalwater,butadivine,heavenly,holy,andblessedwater,andinwhateverothertermswecanpraiseit,—allonaccountoftheWord,whichisaheavenly,holyWord,thatnoonecansufficientlyextol,forithas,andisabletodo,allthatGodisandcando[sinceithasallthevirtueandpowerofGodcomprisedinit].18]HencealsoitderivesitsessenceasaSacrament,asSt.Augustinealsotaught:Accedatverbumadelementumetfitsacramentum.Thatis,whentheWordisjoinedtotheelementornaturalsubstance,itbecomesaSacrament,thatis,aholyanddivinematterandsign.19]ThereforewealwaysteachthattheSacramentsandallexternalthingswhichGodordainsandinstitutesshouldnotberegardedaccordingtothecoarse,externalmask,asweregardtheshellofanut,butastheWordofGodisincludedtherein.20]Forthuswealsospeakoftheparentalestateandofcivilgovernment.Ifweproposetoregardtheminasfarastheyhavenoses,eyes,skin,andhair,fleshandbones,theylooklikeTurksandheathen,andsomeonemightstartupandsay:WhyshouldIesteemthemmorethanothers?Butbecausethecommandmentisadded:Honorthyfatherandthymother,Ibeholdadifferentman,adornedandclothedwiththemajestyandgloryofGod.Thecommandment(Isay)isthechainofgoldabouthisneck,yea,thecrownuponhishead,whichshowstomehowandwhyonemusthonorthisfleshandblood.21]Thus,andmuchmoreeven,youmusthonorBaptismandesteemitgloriousonaccountoftheWord,sinceHeHimselfhashonoreditbothbywordsanddeeds;moreover,confirmeditwithmiraclesfromheaven.Fordoyouthinkitwasajestthat,whenChristwasbaptized,theheavenswereopenedandtheHolyGhostdescendedvisibly,andeverythingwasdivinegloryandmajesty?

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22]ThereforeIexhortagainthatthesetwo,thewaterandtheWord,bynomeansbeseparatedfromoneanotherandparted.ForiftheWordisseparatedfromit,thewateristhesameasthatwithwhichtheservantcooks'andmayindeedbecalledabath‐keeper'sbaptism.Butwhenitisadded,asGodhasordained,itisaSacrament,andiscalledChrist‐baptism.Letthisbethefirstpart,regardingtheessenceanddignityoftheholySacrament.23]Inthesecondplace,sinceweknownowwhatBaptismis,andhowitistoberegarded,wemustalsolearnwhyandforwhatpurposeitisinstituted,thatis,whatitprofits,gives,andworks.AndthisalsowecannotdiscernbetterthanfromthewordsofChristabovequoted:Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.24]Thereforestateitmostsimplythus,thatthepower,work,profit,fruit,andendofBaptismisthis,namely,tosave.Fornooneisbaptizedinorderthathemaybecomeaprince,but,asthewordsdeclare,thathebesaved.25]Buttobesaved,weknow,isnothingelsethantobedeliveredfromsin,death,andthedevil,andtoenterintothekingdomofChrist,andtolivewithHimforever.26]HereyouseeagainhowhighlyandpreciousweshouldesteemBaptism,becauseinitweobtainsuchanunspeakabletreasure,whichalsoindicatessufficientlythatitcannotbeordinarymerewater.Formerewatercouldnotdosuchathing,buttheWorddoesit,and(assaidabove)thefactthatthenameofGodiscomprehendedtherein.27]ButwherethenameofGodis,theremustbealsolifeandsalvation,thatitmayindeedbecalledadivine,blessed,fruitful,andgraciouswater;forbytheWordsuchpowerisimpartedtoBaptismthatitisalaverofregeneration,asSt.Paulalsocallsit,Titus3,5.28]Butasourwould‐bewise,newspiritsassertthatfaithalonesaves,andthatworksandexternalthingsavailnothing,weanswer:Itistrue,indeed,thatnothinginusisofanyavailbutfaith,asweshallhearstillfurther.29]Buttheseblindguidesareunwillingtoseethis,namely,thatfaithmusthavesomethingwhichitbelieves,thatis,ofwhichittakeshold,anduponwhichitstandsandrests.Thusfaithclingstothewater,andbelievesthatitisBaptism,inwhichthereispuresalvationandlife;notthroughthewater(aswehavesufficientlystated),butthroughthefactthatitisembodiedintheWordandinstitutionofGod,andthenameofGodinheresinit.Now,ifIbelievethis,whatelseisitthanbelievinginGodasinHimwhohasgivenandplantedHisWordintothisordinance,andproposestousthisexternalthingwhereinwemayapprehendsuchatreasure?30]Now,theyaresomadastoseparatefaith,andthattowhichfaithclingsandisbound,thoughitbesomethingexternal.Yea,itshallandmustbesomethingexternal,thatitmaybeapprehendedbythesenses,andunderstoodandtherebybebroughtintotheheart,asindeedtheentireGospelisanexternal,verbalpreaching.Inshort,whatGoddoesandworksinusHeproposestoworkthroughsuchexternalordinances.Wherever,therefore,Hespeaks,yea,inwhicheverdirectionorbywhatevermeansHespeaks,thitherfaithmustlook,andtothatitmusthold.31]Nowherewehavethewords:Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.TowhatelsedotheyreferthantoBaptism,thatis,tothewatercomprehendedinGod'sordinance?HenceitfollowsthatwhoeverrejectsBaptismrejectstheWordofGod,faith;andChrist,whodirectsusthitherandbindsustoBaptism.32]Inthethirdplace,sincewehavelearnedthegreatbenefitandpowerofBaptism,letusseefurtherwhoisthepersonthatreceiveswhatBaptismgivesandprofits.33]Thisisagainmostbeautifullyandclearlyexpressedinthewords:Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbe

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saved.Thatis,faithalonemakesthepersonworthytoreceiveprofitablythesaving,divinewater.For,sincetheseblessingsareherepresentedandpromisedinthewordsinandwiththewater,theycannotbereceivedinanyotherwaythanbybelievingthemwiththeheart.34]Withoutfaithitprofitsnothing,notwithstandingitisinitselfadivinesuperabundanttreasure.Thereforethissingleword(Hethatbelieveth)effectsthismuchthatitexcludesandrepelsallworkswhichwecando,intheopinionthatweobtainandmeritsalvationbythem.Foritisdeterminedthatwhateverisnotfaithavailsnothingnorreceivesanything.35]Butiftheysay,astheyareaccustomed:StillBaptismisitselfawork,andyousayworksareofnoavailforsalvation;what,then,becomesoffaith?Answer:Yes,ourworks,indeed,availnothingforsalvation;Baptism,however,isnotourwork,butGod's(for,aswasstated,youmustputChrist‐baptismfarawayfromabathkeeper'sbaptism).God'sworks,however,aresavingandnecessaryforsalvation,anddonotexclude,butdemand,faith;forwithoutfaiththeycouldnotbeapprehended.36]Forbysufferingthewatertobepoureduponyou,youhavenotyetreceivedBaptisminsuchamannerthatitbenefitsyouanything;butitbecomesbeneficialtoyouifyouhaveyourselfbaptizedwiththethoughtthatthisisaccordingtoGod'scommandandordinance,andbesidesinGod'sname,inorderthatyoumayreceiveinthewaterthepromisedsalvation.Now,thisthefistcannotdo,northebody;buttheheartmustbelieveit.37]Thusyouseeplainlythatthereisherenoworkdonebyus,butatreasurewhichHegivesus,andwhichfaithapprehends;justastheLordJesusChristuponthecrossisnotawork,butatreasurecomprehendedintheWord,andofferedtousandreceivedbyfaith.Thereforetheydousviolencebyexclaimingagainstusasthoughwepreachagainstfaith;whilewealoneinsistuponitasbeingofsuchnecessitythatwithoutitnothingcanbereceivednorenjoyed.38]ThuswehavethesethreepartswhichitisnecessarytoknowconcerningthisSacrament,especiallythattheordinanceofGodistobeheldinallhonor,whichalonewouldbesufficient,thoughitbeanentirelyexternalthing,likethecommandment,Honorthyfatherandthymother,whichreferstobodilyfleshandblood.Thereinweregardnotthefleshandblood,butthecommandmentofGodinwhichtheyarecomprehended,andonaccountofwhichthefleshiscalledfatherandmother;soalso,thoughwehadnomorethanthesewords,Goyeandbaptize,etc.,itwouldbenecessaryforustoacceptanddoitastheordinanceofGod.39]NowthereisherenotonlyGod'scommandmentandinjunction,butalsothepromise,onaccountofwhichitisstillfarmoregloriousthanwhateverelseGodhascommandedandordained,andis,inshort,sofullofconsolationandgracethatheavenandearthcannotcomprehendit.40]Butitrequiresskilltobelievethis,forthetreasureisnotwanting,butthisiswantingthatmenapprehenditandholditfirmly.41]ThereforeeveryChristianhasenoughinBaptismtolearnandtopractiseallhislife;forhehasalwaysenoughtodotobelievefirmlywhatitpromisesandbrings:victoryoverdeathandthedevil,forgivenessofsin,thegraceofGod,theentireChrist,andtheHolyGhostwithHisgifts.42]Inshort,itissotranscendentthatiftimidnaturecouldrealizeit,itmightwelldoubtwhetheritcouldbetrue.43]Forconsider,ifthereweresomewhereaphysicianwhounderstoodtheartofsavingmenfromdying,or,eventhoughtheydied,ofrestoringthemspeedilytolife,sothattheywouldthereafterliveforever,howtheworldwouldpourinmoneylikesnowandrain,sothatbecauseofthethrongoftherichnoonecouldfindaccess!ButhereinBaptismthereisbroughtfreetoeveryone'sdoorsuchatreasureandmedicineasutterlydestroysdeathandpreservesallmenalive.

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44]ThuswemustregardBaptismandmakeitprofitabletoourselves,thatwhenoursinsandconscienceoppressus,westrengthenourselvesandtakecomfortandsay:NeverthelessIambaptized;butifIambaptized,itispromisedmethatIshallbesavedandhaveeternallife,bothinsoulandbody.45]ForthatisthereasonwhythesetwothingsaredoneinBaptism,namely,thatthebody,whichcanapprehendnothingbutthewater,issprinkled,and,inaddition,thewordisspokenforthesoultoapprehend.46]Now,sinceboth,thewaterandtheWord,areoneBaptism,thereforebodyandsoulmustbesavedandliveforever:thesoulthroughtheWordwhichitbelieves,butthebodybecauseitisunitedwiththesoulandalsoapprehendsBaptismasitisabletoapprehendit.Wehave,therefore,nogreaterjewelinbodyandsoul,forbyitwearemadeholyandaresaved,whichnootherkindoflife,noworkuponearth,canattain.Letthissufficerespectingthenature,blessing,anduseofBaptism,foritanswersthepresentpurpose.Backtotop

Of Infant Baptism.47]Hereaquestionoccursbywhichthedevil,throughhissects,confusestheworld,namely,OfInfantBaptism,whetherchildrenalsobelieve,andarejustlybaptized.Concerningthiswesaybriefly:48]Letthesimpledismissthisquestionfromtheirminds,andreferittothelearned.Butifyouwishtoanswer,49]thenanswerthus:—ThattheBaptismofinfantsispleasingtoChristissufficientlyprovedfromHisownwork,namely,thatGodsanctifiesmanyofthemwhohavebeenthusbaptized,andhasgiventhemtheHolyGhost;andthatthereareyetmanyevento‐dayinwhomweperceivethattheyhavetheHolyGhostbothbecauseoftheirdoctrineandlife;asitisalsogiventousbythegraceofGodthatwecanexplaintheScripturesandcometotheknowledgeofChrist,whichisimpossiblewithouttheHolyGhost.50]ButifGoddidnotacceptthebaptismofinfants,HewouldnotgivetheHolyGhostnoranyofHisgiftstoanyofthem;inshort,duringthislongtimeuntothisdaynomanuponearthcouldhavebeenaChristian.Now,sinceGodconfirmsBaptismbythegiftsofHisHolyGhost,asisplainlyperceptibleinsomeofthechurchfathers,asSt.Bernard,Gerson,JohnHus,andothers,whowerebaptizedininfancy,andsincetheholyChristianChurchcannotperishuntiltheendoftheworld,theymustacknowledgethatsuchinfantbaptismispleasingtoGod.ForHecanneverbeopposedtoHimself,orsupportfalsehoodandwickedness,orforitspromotionimpartHisgraceandSpirit.51]Thisisindeedthebestandstrongestproofforthesimple‐mindedandunlearned.Fortheyshallnottakefromusoroverthrowthisarticle:IbelieveaholyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints.52]Further,wesaythatwearenotsomuchconcernedtoknowwhetherthepersonbaptizedbelievesornot;foronthataccountBaptismdoesnotbecomeinvalid;buteverythingdependsupontheWordandcommandofGod.53]Thisnowisperhapssomewhatacute,butitrestsentirelyuponwhatIhavesaid,thatBaptismisnothingelsethanwaterandtheWordofGodinandwitheachother,thatis,whentheWordisaddedtothewater,Baptismisvalid,eventhoughfaithbewanting.FormyfaithdoesnotmakeBaptism,butreceivesit.Now,Baptismdoesnotbecomeinvalideventhoughitbewronglyreceivedoremployed;sinceitisnotbound(asstated)toourfaith,buttotheWord.

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54]ForeventhoughaJewshouldto‐daycomedishonestlyandwithevilpurpose,andweshouldbaptizehiminallgoodfaith,wemustsaythathisbaptismisneverthelessgenuine.ForhereisthewatertogetherwiththeWordofGod,eventhoughhedoesnotreceiveitasheshould,justasthosewhounworthilygototheSacramentreceivethetrueSacrament,eventhoughtheydonotbelieve.55]Thusyouseethattheobjectionofthesectariansisvain.For(aswehavesaid)eventhoughinfantsdidnotbelieve,which,however,isnotthecase,yettheirbaptismasnowshownwouldbevalid,andnooneshouldrebaptizethem;justasnothingisdetractedfromtheSacramentthoughsomeoneapproachitwithevilpurpose,andhecouldnotbeallowedonaccountofhisabusetotakeitasecondtimetheselfsamehour,asthoughhehadnotreceivedthetrueSacramentatfirst;forthatwouldmeantoblasphemeandprofanetheSacramentintheworstmanner.HowdarewethinkthatGod'sWordandordinanceshouldbewrongandinvalidbecausewemakeawronguseofit?56]ThereforeIsay,ifyoudidnotbelievethenbelievenowandsaythus:Thebaptismindeedwasright,butI,alas!didnotreceiveitaright.ForImyselfalso,andallwhoarebaptized,mustspeakthusbeforeGod:Icomehitherinmyfaithandinthatofothers,yetIcannotrestinthis,thatIbelieve,andthatmanypeopleprayforme;butinthisIrest,thatitisThyWordandcommand.JustasIgototheSacramenttrustingnotinmyfaith,butintheWordofChrist;whetherIamstrongorweak,thatIcommittoGod.ButthisIknow,thatHebidsmego,eatanddrink,etc.,andgivesmeHisbodyandblood;thatwillnotdeceivemeorprovefalsetome.57]Thuswedoalsoininfantbaptism.Webringthechildintheconvictionandhopethatitbelieves,andwepraythatGodmaygrantitfaith;butwedonotbaptizeituponthat,butsolelyuponthecommandofGod.Whyso?BecauseweknowthatGoddoesnotlie.Iandmyneighborand,inshort,allmen,mayerranddeceive,buttheWordofGodcannoterr.58]Thereforetheyarepresumptuous,clumsymindsthatdrawsuchinferencesandconclusionsasthese:Wherethereisnotthetruefaith,therealsocanbenotrueBaptism.JustasifIwouldinfer:IfIdonotbelieve,thenChristisnothing;orthus:IfIamnotobedient,thenfather,mother,andgovernmentarenothing.Isthatacorrectconclusion,thatwheneveranyonedoesnotdowhatheought,thethinginitselfshallbenothingandofnovalue?59]Mydear,justinverttheargumentandratherdrawthisinference:ForthisveryreasonBaptismissomethingandisright,becauseithasbeenwronglyreceived.Forifitwerenotrightandtrueinitself,itcouldnotbemisusednorsinnedagainst.Thesayingis:Abususnontollit,sedconfirmatsubstantiam,Abusedoesnotdestroytheessence,butconfirmsit.Forgoldisnotthelessgoldthoughaharlotwearitinsinandshame.60]ThereforeletitbedecidedthatBaptismalwaysremainstrue,retainsitsfullessence,eventhoughasinglepersonshouldbebaptized,andhe,inaddition,shouldnotbelievetruly.ForGod'sordinanceandWordcannotbemadevariableorbealteredbymen.61]Butthesepeople,thefanatics,aresoblindedthattheydonotseetheWordandcommandofGod,andregardBaptismandthemagistratesonlyastheyregardwaterinthebrookorinpots,orasanyotherman;andbecausetheydonotseefaithnorobedience,theyconcludethattheyaretoberegardedasinvalid.62]Herelurksaconcealedseditiousdevil,whowouldliketotearthecrownfromtheheadofauthorityandthentrampleitunderfoot,and,inaddition,pervertandbringtonaughtalltheworksandordinancesofGod.63]Thereforewemustbe

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watchfulandwellarmed,andnotallowourselvestobedirectednorturnedawayfromtheWord,inorderthatwemaynotregardBaptismasamereemptysign,asthefanaticsdream.64]Lastly,wemustalsoknowwhatBaptismsignifies,andwhyGodhasordainedjustsuchexternalsignandceremonyfortheSacramentbywhichwearefirstreceivedintotheChristianChurch.65]Buttheactorceremonyisthis,thatwearesunkunderthewater,whichpassesoverus,andafterwardsaredrawnoutagain.Thesetwoparts,tobesunkunderthewateranddrawnoutagain,signifythepowerandoperationofBaptism,whichisnothingelsethanputtingtodeaththeoldAdam,andafterthattheresurrectionofthenewman,bothofwhichmusttakeplaceinusallourlives,sothatatrulyChristianlifeisnothingelsethanadailybaptism,oncebegunandevertobecontinued.Forthismustbepractisedwithoutceasing,thatweeverkeeppurgingawaywhateverisoftheoldAdam,andthatthatwhichbelongstothenewmancomeforth.66]Butwhatistheoldman?ItisthatwhichisborninusfromAdam,angry,hateful,envious,unchaste,stingy,lazy,haughty,yea,unbelieving,infectedwithallvices,andhavingbynaturenothinggoodinit.67]Now,whenwearecomeintothekingdomofChrist,thesethingsmustdailydecrease,thatthelongerwelivewebecomemoregentle,morepatient,moremeek,andeverwithdrawmoreandmorefromunbelief,avarice,hatred,envy,haughtiness.68]ThisisthetrueuseofBaptismamongChristians,assignifiedbybaptizingwithwater.Wherethis,therefore,isnotpractised,buttheoldmanisleftunbridled,soastocontinuallybecomestronger,thatisnotusingBaptism,butstrivingagainstBaptism.69]ForthosewhoarewithoutChristcannotbutdailybecomeworse,accordingtotheproverbwhichexpressesthetruth,"Worseandworse—thelonger,theworse."70]Ifayearagoonewasproudandavaricious,thenheismuchprouderandmoreavariciousthisyear,sothatthevicegrowsandincreaseswithhimfromhisyouthup.Ayoungchildhasnospecialvice;butwhenitgrowsup,itbecomesunchasteandimpure,andwhenitreachesmaturity,realvicesbegintoprevailthelonger,themore.71]ThereforetheoldmangoesunrestrainedinhisnatureifheisnotcheckedandsuppressedbythepowerofBaptism.Ontheotherhand,wheremenhavebecomeChristians,hedailydecreasesuntilhefinallyperishes.ThatistrulytobeburiedinBaptism,anddailytocomeforthagain.72]Thereforetheexternalsignisappointednotonlyforapowerfuleffect,butalsoforasignification.73]Where,therefore,faithflourisheswithitsfruits,thereithasnoemptysignification,butthework[ofmortifyingtheflesh]accompaniesit;butwherefaithiswanting,itremainsamereunfruitfulsign.74]AndhereyouseethatBaptism,bothinitspowerandsignification,comprehendsalsothethirdSacrament,whichhasbeencalledrepentance,75]asitisreallynothingelsethanBaptism.Forwhatelseisrepentancebutanearnestattackupontheoldman[thathislustsberestrained]andenteringuponanewlife?Therefore,ifyouliveinrepentance,youwalkinBaptism,whichnotonlysignifiessuchanewlife,butalsoproduces,begins,andexercisesit.76]Forthereinaregivengrace,theSpirit,andpowertosuppresstheoldman,sothatthenewmanmaycomeforthandbecomestrong.77]ThereforeourBaptismabidesforever;andeventhoughsomeoneshouldfallfromitandsin,neverthelesswealwayshaveaccessthereto,thatwemayagainsubduetheoldman.78]Butweneednotagainbesprinkledwithwater;forthoughwewereputunderthewaterahundredtimes,itwouldneverthelessbeonlyoneBaptism,althoughtheoperationandsignificationcontinueandremain.79]Repentance,therefore,isnothingelsethanareturn

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andapproachtoBaptism,thatwerepeatandpractisewhatwebeganbefore,butabandoned.80]ThisIsaylestwefallintotheopinioninwhichwewereforalongtime,imaginingthatourBaptismissomethingpast,whichwecannolongeruseafterwehavefallenagainintosin.Thereasonis,thatitisregardedonlyaccordingtotheexternalactonceperformed[andcompleted].81]AndthisarosefromthefactthatSt.Jeromewrotethatrepentanceisthesecondplankbywhichwemustswimforthandcrossoveraftertheshipisbroken,onwhichwestepandarecarriedacrosswhenwecomeintotheChristianChurch.82]TherebytheuseofBaptismhasbeenabolishedsothatitcanprofitusnolonger.Thereforethestatementisnotcorrect,oratanyratenotrightlyunderstood.Fortheshipneverbreaks,because(aswehavesaid)itistheordinanceofGod,andnotaworkofours;butithappens,indeed,thatweslipandfalloutoftheship.Yetifanyonefallout,lethimseetoitthatheswimupandclingtoittillheagaincomeintoitandliveinit,ashehadformerlybegun.83]Thusitappearswhatagreat,excellentthingBaptismis,whichdeliversusfromthejawsofthedevilandmakesusGod'sown,suppressesandtakesawaysin,andthendailystrengthensthenewman;andisandremainseverefficaciousuntilwepassfromthisestateofmiserytoeternalglory.84]ForthisreasonleteveryoneesteemhisBaptismasadailydressinwhichheistowalkconstantly,thathemayeverbefoundinthefaithanditsfruits,thathesuppresstheoldmanandgrowupinthenew.85]ForifwewouldbeChristians,wemustpractisetheworkwherebyweareChristians.86]Butifanyonefallawayfromit,lethimagaincomeintoit.ForjustasChrist,theMercy‐seat,doesnotrecedefromusorforbidustocometoHimagain,eventhoughwesin,soallHistreasureandgiftsalsoremain.If,therefore,wehaveonceinBaptismobtainedforgivenessofsin,itwillremaineveryday,aslongaswelive,thatis,aslongaswecarrytheoldmanaboutourneck.Backtotop

Large Catechsim Part Fifth: Of the Sacrament of the Altar.

1]InthesamemanneraswehaveheardregardingHolyBaptism,wemustspeakalsoconcerningtheotherSacrament,namely,thesethreepoints:Whatisit?Whatareitsbenefits?and,Whoistoreceiveit?AndalltheseareestablishedbythewordsbywhichChristhasinstitutedit,2]andwhicheveryonewhodesirestobeaChristianandgototheSacramentshouldknow.Foritisnotourintentiontoadmittoitandtoadministerittothosewhoknownotwhattheyseek,orwhytheycome.Thewords,however,arethese:3]OurLordJesusChrist,thesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayed,tookbread;andwhenHehadgiventhanks,Hebrakeit,andgaveittoHisdisciples,andsaid,Take,eat;thisisMybody,whichisgivenforyou:thisdoinremembranceofMe.AfterthesamemanneralsoHetookthecupwhenHehadsupped,gavethanks,andgaveittothem,saying,Drinkyeallofit;thiscupisthenewtestamentinMyblood,whichisshedforyoufortheremissionofsins:thisdoye,asoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofMe.

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4]HerealsowedonotwishtoenterintocontroversyandcontendwiththetraducersandblasphemersofthisSacrament,buttolearnfirst(aswedidregardingBaptism)whatisofthegreatestimportance,namely,thatthechiefpointistheWordandordinanceorcommandofGod.Forithasnotbeeninventednorintroducedbyanyman,butwithoutanyone'scounselanddeliberationithasbeeninstitutedbyChrist.5]Therefore,justastheTenCommandments,theLord'sPrayer,andtheCreedretaintheirnatureandworth,althoughyouneverkeep,pray,orbelievethem,soalsodoesthisvenerableSacramentremainundisturbed,sothatnothingisdetractedortakenfromit,eventhoughweemployanddispenseitunworthily.6]WhatdoyouthinkGodcaresaboutwhatwedoorbelieve,sothatonthataccountHeshouldsufferHisordinancetobechanged?Why,inallworldlymatterseverythingremainsasGodhascreatedandorderedit,nomatterhowweemployoruseit.7]Thismustalwaysbeurged,fortherebythepratingofnearlyallthefanaticalspiritscanberepelled.FortheyregardtheSacraments,asidefromtheWordofGod,assomethingthatwedo.8]Now,whatistheSacramentoftheAltar?Answer:ItisthetruebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist,inandunderthebreadandwinewhichweChristiansarecommandedbytheWordofChristtoeatandtodrink.9]AndaswehavesaidofBaptismthatitisnotsimplewater,soherealsowesaytheSacramentisbreadandwine,butnotmerebreadandwine,suchasareordinarilyservedatthetable,butbreadandwinecomprehendedin,andconnectedwith,theWordofGod.10]ItistheWord(Isay)whichmakesanddistinguishesthisSacrament,sothatitisnotmerebreadandwine,butis,andiscalled,thebodyandbloodofChrist.Foritissaid:Accedatverbumadelementum,etfitsacramentum.IftheWordbejoinedtotheelement,itbecomesaSacrament.ThissayingofSt.Augustineissoproperlyandsowellputthathehasscarcelysaidanythingbetter.TheWordmustmakeaSacramentoftheelement,elseitremainsamereelement.11]Now,itisnotthewordorordinanceofaprinceoremperor,butofthesublimeMajesty,atwhosefeetallcreaturesshouldfall,andaffirmitisasHesays,andacceptitwithallreverence,fear,andhumility.12]WiththisWordyoucanstrengthenyourconscienceandsay:Ifahundredthousanddevils,togetherwithallfanatics,shouldrushforward,crying,HowcanbreadandwinebethebodyandbloodofChrist?etc.,IknowthatallspiritsandscholarstogetherarenotaswiseasistheDivineMajestyinHislittlefinger.13]NowherestandstheWordofChrist:Take,eat;thisisMybody;Drinkyeallofit;thisisthenewtestamentinMyblood,etc.Hereweabide,andwouldliketoseethosewhowillconstitutethemselvesHismasters,andmakeitdifferentfromwhatHehasspoken.Itistrue,indeed,thatifyoutakeawaytheWordorregarditwithoutthewords,youhavenothingbutmerebreadandwine.14]Butifthewordsremainwiththem,astheyshallandmust,then,invirtueofthesame,itistrulythebodyandbloodofChrist.ForasthelipsofChristsayandspeak,soitis,asHecanneverlieordeceive.15]Henceitiseasytoreplytoallmannerofquestionsaboutwhichmenaretroubledatthepresenttime,suchasthisone:Whetherevenawickedpriestcanministerat,anddispense,theSacrament,andwhateverotherquestionslikethistheremaybe.16]Forhereweconcludeandsay:EventhoughaknavetakesordistributestheSacrament,hereceivesthetrueSacrament,thatis,thetruebodyandbloodofChrist,justastrulyashewho[receivesor]administersitinthemostworthymanner.Foritisnotfoundedupontheholinessofmen,butupontheWordofGod.Andasnosaintuponearth,yea,noangelinheaven,canmake

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breadandwinetobethebodyandbloodofChrist,soalsocannoonechangeoralterit,eventhoughitbemisused.17]FortheWordbywhichitbecameaSacramentandwasinstituteddoesnotbecomefalsebecauseofthepersonorhisunbelief.ForHedoesnotsay:Ifyoubelieveorareworthy,youreceiveMybodyandblood,but:Take,eatanddrink;thisisMybodyandblood.Likewise:Dothis(namely,whatInowdo,institute,give,andbidyoutake).18]Thatisasmuchastosay,Nomatterwhetheryouareworthyorunworthy,youhavehereHisbodyandbloodbyvirtueofthesewordswhichareaddedtothebreadandwine.19]Onlynoteandrememberthiswell;foruponthesewordsrestallourfoundation,protection,anddefenseagainstallerrorsanddeceptionthathaveevercomeormayyetcome.20]ThuswehavebrieflythefirstpointwhichrelatestotheessenceofthisSacrament.NowexaminefurthertheefficacyandbenefitsonaccountofwhichreallytheSacramentwasinstituted;whichisalsoitsmostnecessarypart,thatwemayknowwhatweshouldseekandobtainthere.21]Nowthisisplainandclearfromthewordsjustmentioned:ThisisMybodyandblood,givenandshedforyou,fortheremissionofsins.22]Brieflythatisasmuchastosay:ForthisreasonwegototheSacramentbecausetherewereceivesuchatreasurebyandinwhichweobtainforgivenessofsins.Whyso?Becausethewordsstandhereandgiveusthis;foronthisaccountHebidsmeeatanddrink,thatitmaybemyownandmaybenefitme,asasurepledgeandtoken,yea,theverysametreasurethatisappointedformeagainstmysins,death,andeverycalamity.23]Onthisaccountitisindeedcalledafoodofsouls,whichnourishesandstrengthensthenewman.ForbyBaptismwearefirstbornanew;but(aswesaidbefore)therestillremains,besides,theoldviciousnatureoffleshandbloodinman,andtherearesomanyhindrancesandtemptationsofthedevilandoftheworldthatweoftenbecomewearyandfaint,andsometimesalsostumble.24]Thereforeitisgivenforadailypastureandsustenance,thatfaithmayrefreshandstrengthenitselfsoasnottofallbackinsuchabattle,butbecomeeverstrongerandstronger.25]Forthenewlifemustbesoregulatedthatitcontinuallyincreaseandprogress;26]butitmustsuffermuchopposition.Forthedevilissuchafuriousenemythatwhenheseesthatweopposehimandattacktheoldman,andthathecannottoppleusoverbyforce,heprowlsandmovesaboutonallsides,triesalldevices,anddoesnotdesist,untilhefinallyweariesus,sothatweeitherrenounceourfaithoryieldhandsandfeetandbecomelistlessorimpatient.27]Nowtothisendtheconsolationisheregivenwhentheheartfeelsthattheburdenisbecomingtooheavy,thatitmayhereobtainnewpowerandrefreshment.28]Buthereourwisespiritscontortthemselveswiththeirgreatartandwisdom,cryingoutandbawling:Howcanbreadandwineforgivesinsorstrengthenfaith?Althoughtheyhearandknowthatwedonotsaythisofbreadandwine,becauseinitselfbreadisbread,butofsuchbreadandwineasisthebodyandbloodofChrist,andhasthewordsattachedtoit.That,wesay,isverilythetreasure,andnothingelse,throughwhichsuchforgivenessisobtained.29]Nowtheonlywayinwhichitisconveyedandappropriatedtousisinthewords(Givenandshedforyou).Forhereinyouhavebothtruths,thatitisthebodyandbloodofChrist,andthatitisyoursasatreasureandgift.30]NowthebodyofChristcanneverbeanunfruitful,vainthing,thateffectsorprofitsnothing.Yet,howevergreatisthetreasureinitself,itmustbecomprehendedintheWordandadministeredtous,elseweshouldneverbeabletoknoworseekit.31]ThereforealsoitisvaintalkwhentheysaythatthebodyandbloodofChristarenot

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givenandshedforusintheLord'sSupper,hencewecouldnothaveforgivenessofsinsintheSacrament.Foralthoughtheworkisaccomplishedandtheforgivenessofsinsacquiredonthecross,yetitcannotcometousinanyotherwaythanthroughtheWord.Forwhatwouldweotherwiseknowaboutit,thatsuchathingwasaccomplishedorwastobegivenusifitwerenotpresentedbypreachingortheoralWord?Whencedotheyknowofit,orhowcantheyapprehendandappropriatetothemselvestheforgiveness,excepttheylayholdofandbelievetheScripturesandtheGospel?32]ButnowtheentireGospelandthearticleoftheCreed:IbelieveaholyChristianChurch,theforgivenessofsin,etc.,arebytheWordembodiedinthisSacramentandpresentedtous.Why,then,shouldweallowthistreasuretobetornfromtheSacramentwhentheymustconfessthatthesearetheverywordswhichweheareverywhereintheGospel,andtheycannotsaythatthesewordsintheSacramentareofnouse,aslittleastheydaresaythattheentireGospelorWordofGod,apartfromtheSacrament,isofnouse?33]ThuswehavetheentireSacrament,bothastowhatitisinitselfandastowhatitbringsandprofits.Nowwemustalsoseewhoisthepersonthatreceivesthispowerandbenefit.Thatisansweredbriefly,aswesaidaboveofBaptismandoftenelsewhere:Whoeverbelievesithaswhatthewordsdeclareandbring.Fortheyarenotspokenorproclaimedtostoneandwood,buttothosewhohearthem,towhomHesays:34]Takeandeat,etc.AndbecauseHeoffersandpromisesforgivenessofsin,itcannotbereceivedotherwisethanbyfaith.ThisfaithHeHimselfdemandsintheWordwhenHesays:Givenandshedforyou.AsifHesaid:ForthisreasonIgiveit,andbidyoueatanddrink,thatyoumayclaimitasyoursandenjoyit.35]Whoevernowacceptsthesewords,andbelievesthatwhattheydeclareistrue,hasit.Butwhoeverdoesnotbelieveithasnothing,asheallowsittobeofferedtohiminvain,andrefusestoenjoysuchasavinggood.Thetreasure,indeed,isopenedandplacedateveryone'sdoor,yea,uponhistable,butitisnecessarythatyoualsoclaimit,andconfidentlyviewitasthewordssuggesttoyou36]This,now,istheentireChristianpreparationforreceivingthisSacramentworthily.Forsincethistreasureisentirelypresentedinthewords,itcannotbeapprehendedandappropriatedinanyotherwaythanwiththeheart.Forsuchagiftandeternaltreasurecannotbeseizedwiththefist.37]Fastingandprayer,etc.,mayindeedbeanexternalpreparationanddisciplineforchildren,thatthebodymaykeepandbearitselfmodestlyandreverentlytowardsthebodyandbloodofChrist;yetwhatisgiveninandwithitthebodycannotseizeandappropriate.Butthisisdonebythefaithoftheheart,whichdiscernsthistreasureanddesiresit.38]ThismaysufficeforwhatisnecessaryasageneralinstructionrespectingthisSacrament;forwhatisfurthertobesaidofitbelongstoanothertime.39]Inconclusion,sincewehavenowthetrueunderstandinganddoctrineoftheSacrament,thereisindeedneedofsomeadmonitionandexhortation,thatmenmaynotletsogreatatreasurewhichisdailyadministeredanddistributedamongChristianspassbyunheeded,thatis,thatthosewhowouldbeChristiansmakereadytoreceivethisvenerableSacramentoften.40]Forweseethatmenseemwearyandlazywithrespecttoit;andthereisagreatmultitudeofsuchasheartheGospel,and,becausethenonsenseofthePopehasbeenabolished,andwearefreedfromhislawsandcoercion,goone,two,threeyears,orevenlongerwithouttheSacrament,asthoughtheyweresuchstrongChristiansthattheyhavenoneedofit;41]andsomeallowthemselvestobepreventedanddeterredbythepretensethatwehavetaughtthatnooneshouldapproachitexceptthosewhofeelhungerandthirst,whichurgethemtoit.Somepretendthatitisamatteroflibertyandnotnecessary,andthatitissufficienttobelievewithoutit;andthusforthemostparttheygosofarthattheybecomequitebrutish,andfinallydespiseboththeSacramentandtheWordofGod.

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42]Now,itistrue,aswehavesaid,thatnooneshouldbyanymeansbecoercedorcompelled,lestweinstituteanewmurderingofsouls.Nevertheless,itmustbeknownthatsuchpeopleasdeprivethemselvesof,andwithdrawfrom,theSacramentsolongatimearenottobeconsideredChristians.ForChristhasnotinstitutedittobetreatedasashow,buthascommandedHisChristianstoeatanddrinkit,andtherebyrememberHim.43]And,indeed,thosewhoaretrueChristiansandesteemtheSacramentpreciousandholywillurgeandimpelthemselvesuntoit.Yetthatthesimple‐mindedandtheweakwhoalsowouldliketobeChristiansbethemoreincitedtoconsiderthecauseandneedwhichoughttoimpelthem,wewilltreatsomewhatofthispoint.44]Forasinothermatterspertainingtofaith,love,andpatience,itisnotenoughtoteachandinstructonly,butthereisneedalsoofdailyexhortation,soherealsothereisneedofcontinuingtopreachthatmenmaynotbecomewearyanddisgusted,sinceweknowandfeelhowthedevilalwaysopposesthisandeveryChristianexercise,anddrivesanddeterstherefromasmuchashecan.45]Andwehave,inthefirstplace,thecleartextintheverywordsofChrist:DothisinremembranceofMe.ThesearebiddingandcommandingwordsbywhichallwhowouldbeChristiansareenjoinedtopartakeofthisSacrament.Therefore,whoeverwouldbeadiscipleofChrist,withwhomHeherespeaks,mustalsoconsiderandobservethis,notfromcompulsion,asbeingforcedbymen,butinobediencetotheLordJesusChrist,andtopleaseHim.46]However,ifyousay:Butthewordsareadded,Asoftasyedoit;thereHecompelsnoone,butleavesittoourfreechoice,answer:47]Thatistrue,yetitisnotwrittenthatweshouldneverdoso.Yea,justbecauseHespeaksthewords,Asoftasyedoit,itisneverthelessimpliedthatweshoulddoitoften;anditisaddedforthereasonthatHewishestohavetheSacramentfree,notlimitedtospecialtimes,likethePassoveroftheJews,whichtheywereobligedtoeatonlyonceayear,andthatjustuponthefourteenthdayofthefirstfullmoonintheevening,andwhichtheymustnotvaryaday.AsifHewouldsaybythesewords:IinstituteaPassoverorSupperforyouwhichyoushallenjoynotonlyonceayear,justuponthisevening,butoften,whenandwhereyouwill,accordingtoeveryone'sopportunityandnecessity,boundtonoplaceorappointedtime;48]althoughthePopeafterwardspervertedit,andagainmadeaJewishfeastofit.49]Thus,youperceive,itisnotleftfreeinthesensethatwemaydespiseit.ForthatIcalldespisingitifoneallowsolongatimetoelapseandwithnothingtohinderhimyetneverfeelsadesireforit.ifyouwishsuchliberty,youmayjustaswellhavethelibertytobenoChristian,andneitherhavetobelievenorpray;fortheoneisjustasmuchthecommandofChristastheother.ButifyouwishtobeaChristian,youmustfromtimetotimerendersatisfactionandobediencetothiscommandment.50]Forthiscommandmentoughtevertomoveyoutoexamineyourselfandtothink:See,whatsortofaChristianIam!IfIwereone,IwouldcertainlyhavesomelittlelongingforthatwhichmyLordhascommanded[me]todo.51]And,indeed,sinceweactsuchstrangerstoit,itiseasilyseenwhatsortofChristianswewereunderthePapacy,namely,thatwewentfrommerecompulsionandfearofhumancommandments,withoutinclinationandlove,andneverregardedthecommandmentofChrist.52]Butweneitherforcenorcompelanyone;norneedanyonedoittoserveorpleaseus.Butthisshouldinduceandconstrainyoubyitself,thatHedesiresitandthatitispleasingtoHim.Youmustnotsuffermentocoerceyouuntofaithoranygoodwork.Wearedoingnomorethantosayandexhortyouastowhatyououghttodo,notforoursake,butforyourownsake.Heinvitesandalluresyou;ifyoudespiseit,youmustanswerforit

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yourself.53]Now,thisistobethefirstpoint,especiallyforthosewhoarecoldandindifferent,thattheymayreflectuponandrousethemselves.Forthisiscertainlytrue,asIhavefoundinmyownexperience,andaseveryonewillfindinhisowncase,thatifapersonthuswithdrawfromthisSacrament,hewilldailybecomemoreandmorecallousandcold,andwillatlastdisregarditaltogether.54]Toavoidthis,wemust,indeed,examineheartandconscience,andactlikeapersonwhodesirestoberightwithGod.Now,themorethisisdone,themorewilltheheartbewarmedandenkindled,thatitmaynotbecomeentirelycold.55]Butifyousay:HowifIfeelthatIamnotprepared?Answer:Thatisalsomyscruple,especiallyfromtheoldwayunderthePope,inwhichapersontorturedhimselftobesoperfectlypurethatGodcouldnotfindtheleastblemishinus.Onthisaccountwebecamesotimidthateveryonewasinstantlythrownintoconsternationandsaidtohimself:Alas!youareunworthy!56]Forthennatureandreasonbegintoreckonourunworthinessincomparisonwiththegreatandpreciousgood;andthenitappearslikeadarklanternincontrastwiththebrightsun,orasfilthincomparisonwithpreciousstones.Becausenatureandreasonseethis,theyrefusetoapproachandtarryuntiltheyareprepared,solongthatoneweektrailsanother,andonehalfyeartheother.57]Butifyouaretoregardhowgoodandpureyouare,andlabortohavenocompunctions,youmustneverapproach.58]Wemust,therefore,makeadistinctionhereamongmen.Forthosewhoarewantonanddissolutemustbetoldtostayaway;fortheyarenotpreparedtoreceiveforgivenessofsin,sincetheydonotdesireitanddonotwishtobegodly.59]Buttheothers,whoarenotsuchcallousandwickedpeople,anddesiretobegodly,mustnotabsentthemselves,eventhoughotherwisetheybefeebleandfullofinfirmities,asSt.Hilaryalsohassaid:IfanyonehavenotcommittedsinforwhichhecanrightlybeputoutofthecongregationandesteemedasnoChristian,heoughtnotstayawayfromtheSacrament,lesthemaydeprivehimselfoflife.60]Fornoonewillmakesuchprogressthathewillnotretainmanydailyinfirmitiesinfleshandblood.61]ThereforesuchpeoplemustlearnthatitisthehighestarttoknowthatourSacramentdoesnotdependuponourworthiness.Forwearenotbaptizedbecauseweareworthyandholy,nordowegotoconfessionbecausewearepureandwithoutsin,butthecontrary,becausewearepoormiserablemen,andjustbecauseweareunworthy;unlessitbesomeonewhodesiresnograceandabsolutionnorintendstoreform.62]Butwhoeverwouldgladlyobtaingraceandconsolationshouldimpelhimself,andallownoonetofrightenhimaway,butsay:I,indeed,wouldliketobeworthy;butIcome,notuponanyworthiness,butuponThyWord,becauseThouhastcommandedit,asonewhowouldgladlybeThydisciple,nomatterwhatbecomesofmyworthiness.63]Butthisisdifficult;forwealwayshavethisobstacleandhindrancetoencounter,thatwelookmoreuponourselvesthanupontheWordandlipsofChrist.Fornaturedesiressotoactthatitcanstandandrestfirmlyonitself,otherwiseitrefusestomaketheapproach.Letthissufficeconcerningthefirstpoint.64]Inthesecondplace,thereisbesidesthiscommandalsoapromise,asweheardabove,whichoughtmoststronglytoinciteandencourageus.Forherestandthekindandpreciouswords:ThisisMybody,givenforyou.ThisisMyblood,shedforyou,fortheremissionofsins.65]Thesewords,Ihavesaid,arenotpreachedtowoodandstone,buttomeandyou;else

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HemightjustaswellbesilentandnotinstituteaSacrament.Thereforeconsider,andputyourselfintothisYou,thatHemaynotspeaktoyouinvain.66]ForhereHeofferstoustheentiretreasurewhichHehasbroughtforusfromheaven,andtowhichHeinvitesusalsoinotherplaceswiththegreatestkindness,aswhenHesaysinSt.Matthew11,28:ComeuntoMe,allyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.67]NowitissurelyasinandashamethatHesocordiallyandfaithfullysummonsandexhortsustoourhighestandgreatestgood,andweactsodistantlywithregardtoit,andpermitsolongatimetopass[withoutpartakingoftheSacrament]thatwegrowquitecoldandhardened,sothatwehavenoinclinationorloveforit.68]WemustneverregardtheSacramentassomethinginjuriousfromwhichwehadbetterflee,butasapure,wholesome,comfortingremedyimpartingsalvationandcomfort,whichwillcureyouandgiveyoulifebothinsoulandbody.Forwherethesoulhasrecovered,thebodyalsoisrelieved.Why,then,isitthatweactasifitwereapoison,theeatingofwhichwouldbringdeath?69]Tobesure,itistruethatthosewhodespiseitandliveinanunchristianmannerreceiveittotheirhurtanddamnation;fornothingshallbegoodorwholesometothem,justaswithasickpersonwhofromcapriceeatsanddrinkswhatisforbiddenhimbythephysician.70]Butthosewhoaresensibleoftheirweakness,desiretoberidofitandlongforhelp,shouldregardanduseitonlyasapreciousantidoteagainstthepoisonwhichtheyhaveinthem.ForhereintheSacramentyouaretoreceivefromthelipsofChristforgivenessofsin,whichcontainsandbringswithitthegraceofGodandtheSpiritwithallHisgifts,protection,shelter,andpoweragainstdeathandthedevilandallmisfortune.71]Thusyouhave,onthepartofGod,boththecommandandthepromiseoftheLordJesusChrist.Besidesthis,onyourpart,yourowndistresswhichisaboutyourneck,andbecauseofwhichthiscommand,invitation,andpromisearegiven,oughttoimpelyou.ForHeHimselfsays:Theythatbewhole,neednotaphysician,buttheythatbesick;thatis,thosewhoarewearyandheavy‐ladenwiththeirsins,withthefearofdeath,temptationsofthefleshandofthedevil.72]If,therefore,youareheavy‐ladenandfeelyourweakness,thengojoyfullytothisSacramentandobtainrefreshment,consolation,andstrength.73]Forifyouwouldwaituntilyouareridofsuchburdens,thatyoumightcometotheSacramentpureandworthy,youmustforeverstayaway.ForinthatcaseHepronouncessentenceandsays:74]Ifyouarepureandgodly,youhavenoneedofMe,andI,inturn,noneofthee.Thereforethosealonearecalledunworthywhoneitherfeeltheirinfirmitiesnorwishtobeconsideredsinners.75]Butifyousay:What,then,shallIdoifIcannotfeelsuchdistressorexperiencehungerandthirstfortheSacrament?Answer:ForthosewhoaresomindedthattheydonotrealizetheirconditionIknownobettercounselthanthattheyputtheirhandintotheirbosomtoascertainwhethertheyalsohavefleshandblood.Andifyoufindthattobethecase,thengo,foryourgood,toSt.Paul'sEpistletotheGalatians,andhearwhatsortofafruityourfleshis:Nowtheworksoftheflesh(hesays[Gal.5,19ff])aremanifest,whicharethese:Adultery,fornication,uncleanness,lasciviousness,idolatry,witchcraft,hatred,variance,emulations,wrath,strife,seditions,heresies,envyings,murders,drunkenness,revelings,andsuchlike.76]Therefore,ifyoucannotfeelit,atleastbelievetheScriptures;theywillnotlietoyou,andtheyknowyourfleshbetterthanyouyourself.Yea,St.PaulfurtherconcludesinRom.7,18:Iknowthatinme,thatis,inmyflesh,dwellethnogoodthing.IfSt.Paulmayspeakthusofhisflesh,wedonotproposetobebetternormoreholy.77]Butthatwedonotfeelitissomuchtheworse;foritisasignthatthereisaleprousfleshwhichfeelsnothing,andyet[the

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leprosy]ragesandkeepsspreading.78]Yet,aswehavesaid,ifyouarequitedeadtoallsensibility,stillbelievetheScriptures,whichpronouncesentenceuponyou.And,inshort,thelessyoufeelyoursinsandinfirmities,themorereasonhaveyoutogototheSacramenttoseekhelpandaremedy.79]Inthesecondplace,lookaboutyouandseewhetheryouarealsointheworld,orifyoudonotknowit,askyourneighborsaboutit.Ifyouareintheworld,donotthinkthattherewillbelackofsinsandmisery.ForonlybegintoactasthoughyouwouldbegodlyandadheretotheGospel,andseewhethernoonewillbecomeyourenemy,and,moreover,doyouharm,wrong,andviolence,andlikewisegiveyoucauseforsinandvice.Ifyouhavenotexperiencedit,thenlettheScripturestellyou,whicheverywheregivethispraiseandtestimonytotheworld.80]Besidesthis,youwillalsohavethedevilaboutyou,whomyouwillnotentirelytreadunderfoot,becauseourLordChristHimselfcouldnotentirelyavoidhim.Now,whatisthedevil?81]NothingelsethanwhattheScripturescallhim,aliarandmurderer.Aliar,toleadtheheartastrayfromtheWordofGod,andtoblindit,thatyoucannotfeelyourdistressorcometoChrist.Amurderer,whocannotbeartoseeyouliveonesinglehour.82]Ifyoucouldseehowmanyknives,darts,andarrowsareeverymomentaimedatyou,youwouldbegladtocometotheSacramentasoftenaspossible.Butthereisnoreasonwhywewalksosecurelyandheedlessly,exceptthatweneitherthinknorbelievethatweareintheflesh,andinthiswickedworldorinthekingdomofthedevil.83]Therefore,trythisandpractiseitwell,anddobutexamineyourself,orlookaboutyoualittle,andonlykeeptotheScriptures.Ifeventhenyoustillfeelnothing,youhavesomuchthemoremiserytolamentbothtoGodandtoyourbrother.Thentakeadviceandhaveothersprayforyou,anddonotdesistuntilthestoneberemovedfromyourheart.84]Then,indeed,thedistresswillnotfailtobecomemanifest,andyouwillfindthatyouhavesunktwiceasdeepasanyotherpoorsinner,andaremuchmoreinneedoftheSacramentagainstthemiserywhichunfortunatelyyoudonotsee,sothat,withthegraceofGod,youmayfeelitmoreandbecomethemorehungryfortheSacrament,especiallysincethedevilplieshisforceagainstyou,andliesinwaitforyouwithoutceasingtoseizeanddestroyyou,soulandbody,sothatyouarenotsafefromhimonehour.Howsooncanhehavebroughtyousuddenlyintomiseryanddistresswhenyouleastexpectit!85]Letthis,then,besaidforexhortation,notonlyforthoseofuswhoareoldandgrown,butalsofortheyoungpeople,whooughttobebroughtupintheChristiandoctrineandunderstanding.FortherebytheTenCommandments,theCreed,andtheLord'sPrayermightbethemoreeasilyinculcatedtoouryouth,sothattheywouldreceivethemwithpleasureandearnestness,andthuswouldpractisethemfromtheiryouthandaccustomthemselvestothem.86]Fortheoldarenowwell‐nighdonefor,sothattheseandotherthingscannotbeattained,unlesswetrainthepeoplewhoaretocomeafterusandsucceedusinourofficeandwork,inorderthattheyalsomaybringuptheirchildrensuccessfully,thattheWordofGodandtheChristianChurchmaybepreserved.87]Thereforeleteveryfatherofafamilyknowthatitishisduty,bytheinjunctionandcommandofGod,toteachthesethingstohischildren,orhavethemlearnwhattheyoughttoknow.ForsincetheyarebaptizedandreceivedintotheChristianChurch,theyshouldalsoenjoythiscommunionoftheSacrament,inorderthattheymayserveusandbeusefultous;fortheymustallindeedhelpustobelieve,love,pray,andfightagainstthedevil.Backtotop

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