An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism Part 4

_Ans._ The eating and the drinking, indeed, do not produce them, but the words which stand here, namely: "given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins." These words are, besides the bodily eating and drinking, the chief things in the Sacrament; and he who believes these words, has that which they declare and set forth, namely, the remission of sins.

_Who is it, then, that receives this Sacrament worthily?_

_Ans._ Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a good external discipline; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these words, "given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." But he who does not believe these words, or who doubts, is unworthy and unfit: for the words: "FOR YOU," require truly believing hearts.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family_.

MORNING.

PP _In the Morning, when thou risest, thou shalt say:_

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.

PP _Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the_ Apostles' Creed _and the_ Lord's Prayer.

PP _Then mayest than say this Prayer_:

I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast protected me through the night from all danger and harm; and I beseech Thee to preserve and keep me this day also, from all sin and evil; that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds, I may serve and please Thee. Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen.

PP _And then shouldst thou go with joy to thy work, after a Hymn, or the_ Ten Commandments, _or whatever thy devotion may suggest._

EVENING.

PP _In the Evening, when thou goest to bed, thou shall say:_

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

PP _Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the_ Apostles' Creed _and the_ Lord's Prayer.

PP _Then mayest thou say this Prayer:_

I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast this day so graciously protected me, and I beseech Thee to forgive me all my sins, and the wrong which I have done, and by Thy great mercy defend me from all the perils and dangers of this night.

Into thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen.

PP _And then lie down, in peace, and sleep._

BLESSING AND THANKSGIVING AT TABLE.

_In the plain form in which they are to be taught by the head of a family._

BEFORE MEAT.

PP _Before meat, the members of the family surrounding the table reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord: and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

PP _Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_ Prayer:

O Lord G.o.d, Heavenly Father, bless unto us these Thy gifts, which of Thy tender kindness Thou hast bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PP _After meat, reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:_

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that tear Him; in those that hope in His mercy,

PP _Then shall be said the_ Lord's Prayer, _and after that this_ Prayer:

We give thanks, to Thee, O G.o.d. Our Father, for all Thy benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. Amen.

TABLE OF DUTIES.

_Or, certain pa.s.sages of the Scriptures, selected for various orders and conditions of men, wherein their respective duties are set forth._

BISHOPS, PASTORS, AND PREACHERS.

A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre: but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice, but holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.--I Tim. 3:2-6; t.i.t. 1:9.

WHAT DUTIES HEARERS OWE THEIR BISHOPS.

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.--[I Cor. 9:14.] Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things,--Gal. 6:6. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.--I Tim. 5:17, 18. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.--Heb. 13:17.

MAGISTRATES.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of G.o.d; the powers that be are ordained of G.o.d; for rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same; for he is the minister of G.o.d to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of G.o.d, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.--Rom. 13:1-4.

WHAT DUTIES SUBJECTS OWE MAGISTRATES.

Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.--Matt. 22:21.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are G.o.d's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.--Rom. 13:1, 5. I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all G.o.dliness and honesty.--I Tim. 2. Put them in mind to be subject to princ.i.p.alities and powers, etc.--t.i.t. 3:1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king as supreme; or unto governors as unto them that are sent, etc.--I Pet. 2:13.

HUSBANDS.

Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.--1 Pet. 3:7. And be not bitter against them.--Col. 3:19.

WIVES.

Wives submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord--even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.--Eph. 5:22; I Pet. 3:6.

PARENTS.

Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.--Eph. 6:4.