Martin Luther's Small Catechism, translated by R. Smith by Martin Luther
page 14 of 22 (63%)
page 14 of 22 (63%)
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When speaking to God, we should plead guilty to all sins, even those we
don't know about, just as we do in the "Our Father," but when speaking to the confessor, only the sins we know about, which we know about and feel in our hearts. Which are these? Consider here your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Are you a father? A mother? A son? A daughter? A husband? A wife? A servant? Are you disobedient, unfaithful or lazy? Have you hurt anyone with your words or actions? Have you stolen, neglected your duty, let things go or injured someone? Please suggest to me a simple way to confess. You should speak to your confessor this way: Honorable, dear Sir: Would you please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness according to God's will. He will respond: Yes. Please go ahead. Then say: I confess in the presence of God that I am a poor sinner and guilty of every kind of sin. I specifically admit to you that I am a servant, maid, etc., but I'm afraid that I have served my master unfaithfully. >From time to time, I have not done what I was told to do. I have angered them and caused them to swear at me. I have neglected my duty and allowed damage to be done. My words and actions have been shameful. I have been angry with my peers. I have complained about my master's |
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