An Explanation of Luthers Small Catechism | Page 9

Where is it so written?

Ans. St. Paul, in the
Epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verse 4, says: "We are buried with
Christ by Baptism into death; that like as He was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life."

OF CONFESSION

What is

Confession?

Ans. Confession consists of two parts:
the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive
absolution or forgiveness through the pastor as of God himself, in no
wise doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven
before God in heaven.

What sins ought we to
confess?

Ans. In the presence of God we should
acknowledge ourselves guilty of all manner of sins, even of those
which we do not ourselves perceive; as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But
in the presence of the pastor we should confess those sins alone of
which we have knowledge, and which we feel in our hearts.

Which are these?

Ans. Here reflect on your
condition, according to the Ten Commandments, namely: Whether you
are a father or mother, a son or daughter, a master or mistress, a
manservant or maidservant—whether you have been disobedient,
unfaithful, slothful—whether you have injured any one by words
or actions-whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done
other evil.

PART V.

In the plain form in which it
is to be taught by the head of a family.

What is the
Sacrament of the Altar?

Ans. It is the true Body
and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, given
unto us Christians to eat and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ
Himself.

Where is it so written?

Ans.
The Holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, together with St.
Paul, write thus:

"Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in
which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He
brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my
Body, which is given for you: this do, in remembrance of Me.

"After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped,
gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: this cup is
the new testament in my Blood, which is shed for you, for the

remission of sins: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of
Me."

What benefits are derived from such eating and
drinking?

Ans. They are pointed out in these
words; "given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." Namely,
through these words, the remission of sins, life and salvation are
granted unto us in the Sacrament. For where there is remission of sins,
there are also life and salvation.

How can the bodily eating
and drinking produce such great effects?

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.

In the plain form in which it is to be taught
by the head of a family.

In the Morning, when thou risest, thou shalt say:

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

Then, kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the
Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer.

Then mayest
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