part. If they still refuse to come forward, let them choose their own
ways, and tell them that those who do not regard their own spiritual
misery, and do not desire the gracious help of God, belong to Satan. But
if you do not give such solemn admonitions, or if you adopt odious
compulsory laws on the subject, it is your own fault if the people treat
the Sacrament with contempt. Will they not necessarily be slothful, if
you are silent and sleep? Therefore consider the subject seriously, ye
Pastors and Preachers! Our office has now assumed a very different
character from that which it bore under the Pope; it is now of a very
grave nature, and is very salutary in its influence. It consequently
subjects us to far greater burdens and labors, dangers and temptations,
while it brings with it an inconsiderable reward, and very little
gratitude in the world. But Christ himself will be our reward, if we
labor with fidelity. May He grant such mercy unto us who is the Father
of all grace, to whom be given thanks and praises through Christ, our
Lord, for ever! Amen.

WITTENBERG, A.D. 1529.




THE SMALL CATECHISM




PART I.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.