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
Choose, therefore, the form of words which best pleases you, and adhere
to it perpetually. When you preach in the presence of intelligent and
learned men, you are at liberty to exhibit your knowledge and skill, and
may present and discuss these subjects in all the varied modes which are
at your command. But when you are teaching the young, retain the same
form and manner without change; teach them, first of all, the Ten
Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, etc., always presenting the
same words of the text, so that those who learn can repeat them after
you, and retain them in the memory.
But if any refuse to receive your instructions, tell them plainly that
they deny Christ and are not Christians; such persons shall not be
admitted to the Lord's Table, nor present a child for baptism, nor enjoy
any of our Christian privileges, but are to be sent back to the pope and
his agents, and, indeed, to Satan himself. Their parents and employers
should, besides, refuse to furnish them with food and drink, and notify
them that the government was disposed to banish from the country all
persons of such a rude and intractable character.
For although we cannot, and should not, compel them to exercise faith,
we ought, nevertheless, to instruct the great mass with all diligence,
so that they may know how to distinguish between right and wrong in
their conduct towards those with whom they live, or among whom they
desire to earn their living. For whoever desires to reside in a city,
and enjoy the rights and privileges which its laws confer, is also bound
to know and obey those laws. God grant that such persons may become
sincere believers! But if they remain dishonest and vicious, let them at
least withhold from public view the vices of their hearts.
In the second place; when those whom you are instructing have become
familiar with the words of the text, it is time to teach them to
understand the meaning of those words, so that they may become
acquainted with the object and purport of the lesson. Then proceed to
another of the following forms, or, at your pleasure, choose any other
which is brief, and adhere strictly to the same words and forms of
expression in the text, without altering a single syllable; besides,
allow yourself ample time for the lessons. For it is not necessary that
you should, on the same occasion, proceed from the beginning to the end
of the several parts; it will be more profitable if you present them
separately, in regular succession. When the people have, for instance,
at length correctly understood the First Commandment, you may proceed to
the Second, and so continue. By neglecting to observe this mode, the
people will be overburdened, and be prevented from understanding and
retaining in memory any considerable part of the matter communicated to
them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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