THE CATECHISM Contains the principal teachings of the Bible,--those
things which we need to know in order to be saved and to lead a right
Christian life. [Acts 16:30, Matt. 6:33] It is not meant to displace the
Bible, but to fit us to read and study the Bible with greater profit.
[John 5:39]

THE FIVE PRINCIPAL PARTS of the catechism are 1. The Ten Commandments.
2. The Creed. 3. The Lord's Prayer. 4. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism. 5.
The Sacrament of the Altar[1]. To these are added Questions on
Confession, Morning and Evening Prayers, Thanksgiving before and after
Meat, and A Table of Duties.

[Footnote 1: Luther says that three things are necessary for every one
who would be saved. Like a sick person, 1. He must know what his
sickness is. 2. He must know where the medicine is which will cure him.
3. He must desire and seek the medicine, and have it brought to him. Our
sickness (sin) is revealed to us by the Ten Commandments. The medicine
(God's grace) is made known to us in the Creed. We seek and ask for it
in the Lord's Prayer. It is brought to us in the Sacraments.]

QUESTIONS.--1. What is the object of catechetical instruction? 2. What
is to be said about the relation of baptized children to the Church? 3.
What is Luther's Small Catechism, and what should it become for us? 4.
Who was the author of our Catechism? 5. What does our Catechism contain?
6. Name the five principal parts of the catechism, and the additions to
them.

SCRIPTURE READING.--Paul confesses his Faith, Acts 26.