An Explanation of Luther's Small CatechismLuther, Martin
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An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Luther, Martin
Lutheran Church -- Catechisms -- English
OR, THE LORD'S SUPPER.
_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.
* * * * *
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_:
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