Thereforeweallowthesecommandmentstoremainintheirordinarymeaning，thatitiscommanded，first，thatwedonotdesireourneighbor’sdamage，norevenassist，norgiveoccasionforit，butgladlywishandleavehimwhathehas，and，besides，advanceandpreserveforhimwhatmaybeforhisprofitandservice，asweshouldwishtobetreated.Thusthesecommandmentsareespeciallydirectedagainstenvyandmiserableavarice，Godwishingtoremoveallcausesandsourceswhenceariseseverythingbywhichwedoinjurytoourneighbor，andthereforeHeexpressesitinplainwords：Thoushaltnotcovet，etc.ForHewouldespeciallyhavetheheartpure，althoughweshallneverattaintothataslongaswelivehere;sothatthiscommandmentwillremain，likealltherest，onethatwillconstantlyaccuseusandshowhowgodlyweareinthesightofGod！
ConclusionoftheTenCommandments.
ThuswehavetheTenCommandments，acompendofdivinedoctrine，astowhatwearetodoinorderthatourwholelifemaybepleasingtoGod，andthetruefountainandchannelfromandinwhicheverythingmustariseandflowthatistobeagoodwork，sothatoutsideoftheTenCommandmentsnoworkorthingcanbegoodorpleasingtoGod，howevergreatorpreciousitbeintheeyesoftheworld.Letusseenowwhatourgreatsaintscanboastoftheirspiritualordersandtheirgreatandgrievousworkswhichtheyhaveinventedandsetup，whiletheyletthesepass，asthoughtheywerefartooinsignificant，orhadlongagobeenperfectlyfulfilled.
Iamofopinionindeed，thathereonewillfindhishandsfull，[andwillhaveenough]todotoobservethese，namely，meekness，patience，andlovetowardsenemies，chastity，kindness，etc.，andwhatsuchvirtuesimply.Butsuchworksarenotofvalueandmakenodisplayintheeyesoftheworld;fortheyarenotpeculiarandconceitedworksandrestrictedtoparticulartimes，places，rites，andcustoms，butarecommon，every—daydomesticworkswhichoneneighborcanpracticetowardanother;thereforetheyarenotofhighesteem.
Buttheotherworkscausepeopletoopentheireyesandearswide，andmenaidtothiseffectbythegreatdisplay，expense，andmagnificentbuildingswithwhichtheyadornthem，sothateverythingshinesandglitters.Theretheywaftincense，theysingandringbells，theylighttapersandcandles，sothatnothingelsecanbeseenorheard.Forwhenaprieststandsthereinasurpliceembroideredwithgilt，oralaymancontinuesalldayuponhiskneesinchurch，thatisregardedasamostpreciousworkwhichnoonecansufficientlypraise.Butwhenapoorgirltendsalittlechildandfaithfullydoeswhatsheistoldthatisconsiderednothing;forelsewhatshouldmonksandnunsseekintheircloisters？
Butsee，isnotthatacursedpresumptionofthosedesperatesaintswhodaretoinventahigherandbetterlifeandestatethantheTenCommandmentsteach，pretending（aswehavesaid）thatthisisanordinarylifeforthecommonman，butthattheirsisforsaintsandperfectones？AndthemiserableblindpeopledonotseethatnomancangetsofarastokeeponeoftheTenCommandmentsasitshouldbekept，butboththeApostles’CreedandtheLord’sPrayermustcometoouraid（asweshallhear），bywhichthat[powerandstrengthtokeepthecommandments]issoughtandprayedforandreceivedcontinually.
ThereforealltheirboastingamountstoasmuchasifIboastedandsaid：Tobesure，Ihavenotapennytomakepaymentwith，butI
confidentlyundertaketopaytenflorins.
AllthisIsayandurgeinorderthatmenmightbecomeridofthesadmisusewhichhastakensuchdeeprootandstillcleavestoeverybody，andinallestatesuponearthbecomeusedtolookinghitheronly，andtobeingconcernedaboutthesematters.ForitwillbealongtimebeforetheywillproduceadoctrineorestatesequaltotheTenCommandments，becausetheyaresohighthatnoonecanattaintothembyhumanpower;andwhoeverdoesattaintothemisaheavenly，angelicmanfaraboveallholinessoftheworld.Onlyoccupyyourselfwiththem，andtryyourbest，applyallpowerandabilityandyouwillfindsomuchtodothatyouwillneitherseeknoresteemanyotherworkorholiness.
LetthisbesufficientconcerningthefirstpartofthecommonChristiandoctrine，bothforteachingandurgingwhatisnecessary.Inconclusion，however，wemustrepeatthetextwhichbelongshere，ofwhichwehavetreatedalreadyintheFirstCommandment，inorderthatwemaylearnwhatpainsGodrequirestotheendwemaylearntoinculcateandpracticetheTenCommandments：
ForItheLord，thyGod，amajealousGod，visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateMe，andshowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatloveMeandkeepMycommandments.
Although（aswehaveheardabove）thisappendixwasprimarilyattachedtotheFirstCommandment，itwasnevertheless[wecannotdenythatitwas]laiddownforthesakeofallthecommandments，asallofthemaretobereferredanddirectedtoit.ThereforeIhavesaidthatthis，too，shouldbepresentedtoandinculcatedupontheyoung，thattheymaylearnandrememberit，inordertoseewhatistourgeandcompelustokeeptheseTenCommandments.Anditistoberegardedasthoughthispartwerespeciallyaddedtoeach，sothatitinheresin，andpervades，themall.
Now，thereiscomprehendedinthesewords（assaidbefore）bothanangrywordofthreateningandafriendlypromisetoterrifyandwarnus，and，moreovertoinduceandencourageustoreceiveandhighlyesteemHisWordasamatterofdivineearnestness，becauseHeHimselfdeclareshowmuchHeisconcernedaboutit，andhowrigidlyHewillenforceit，namely，thatHewillhorriblyandterriblypunishallwhodespiseandtransgressHiscommandments;andagain，howrichlyHewillreward，bless，anddoallgoodtothosewhoholdtheminhighesteem，andgladlydoandliveaccordingtothem.ThusHedemandsthatallourworksproceedfromaheartwhichfearsandregardsGodalone，andfromsuchfearavoidseverythingthatiscontrarytoHiswill，lestitshouldmoveHimtowrath;and，ontheotherhand，alsotrustsinHimalone，andfromlovetoHimdoesallHewishes，becausehespeakstousasfriendlyasafather，andoffersusallgraceandeverygood.
Justthisisalsothemeaningandtrueinterpretationofthefirstandchiefcommandment，fromwhichalltheothersmustflowandproceed，sothatthisword：ThoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeMe，initssimplestmeaningstatesnothingelsethanthisdemand：Thoushaltfear，love，andtrustinMeasthineonlytrueGod.ForwherethereisaheartthusdisposedtowardsGod，thesamehasfulfilledthisandalltheothercommandments.Ontheotherhand，whoeverfearsandlovesanythingelseinheavenanduponearthwillkeepneitherthisnorany.
Thustheentirescriptureshaveeverywherepreachedandinculcatedthiscommandment，aimingalwaysatthesetwothings：fearofGodandtrustinHim.AndespeciallytheprophetDavidthroughoutthePsalms，aswhenhesays[Ps.147，11]：TheLordtakethpleasureinthemthatfearHim，inthosethathopeinHismercy.Asiftheentirecommandmentwereexplainedbyoneverse，asmuchastosay：TheLordtakethpleasureinthosewhohavenoothergods.
ThustheFirstCommandmentistoshineandimpartitssplendortoalltheothers.Thereforeyoumustletthisdeclarationrunthroughallthecommandments，likeahoopinawreath，joiningtheendtothebeginningandholdingthemalltogether，thatitbecontinuallyrepeatedandnotforgotten;as，namely，intheSecondCommandment，thatwefearGodanddonottakeHisnameinvainforcursing，lying，deceiving，andothermodesofleadingmenastray，orrascality，butmakeproperandgooduseofitbycallinguponHiminprayer，praise，andthanksgiving，derivedfromloveandtrustaccordingtotheFirstCommandment.Inlikemannersuchfear，love，andtrustistourgeandforceusnottodespiseHisWord，butgladlytolearn，hear，andesteemitholy，andhonorit.
Thuscontinuingthroughallthefollowingcommandmentstowardsourneighborlikewise，everythingistoproceedbyvirtueoftheFirstCommandment，towit，thatwehonorfatherandmother，masters，andallinauthorityandbesubjectandobedienttothem，notontheirownaccount，butforGod’ssake.Foryouarenottoregardorfearfatherormother，orfromloveofthemdooromitanything.ButseetothatwhichGodwouldhaveyoudo，andwhatHewillquitesurelydemandofyou;ifyouomitthat，youhaveanangryJudge，butinthecontrarycaseagraciousFather.
Again，thatyoudoyourneighbornoharm，injury，orviolence，norinanywiseencroachuponhimastouchinghisbody，wife，property，honor，orrights，asallthesethingsarecommandedintheirorder，eventhoughyouhaveopportunityandcausetodosoandnomanwouldreproveyou;butthatyoudogoodtoallmen，helpthem，andpromotetheirinterest，howsoeverandwhereveryoucan，purelyfromloveofGodandinordertopleaseHim，intheconfidencethatHewillabundantlyrewardyouforeverything.ThusyouseehowtheFirstCommandmentisthechiefsourceandfountainheadwhichflowsintoalltherest，andagain，allreturntothatanddependuponit，sothatbeginningandendarefastenedandboundtoeachother.
This（Isay）itisprofitableandnecessaryalwaystoteachtotheyoungpeople，toadmonishthemandtoremindthemofit，thattheymaybebroughtupnotonlywithblowsandcompulsion，likecattle，butinthefearandreverenceofGod.Forwherethisisconsideredandlaidtoheartthatthesethingsarenothumantrifles，butthecommandmentsoftheDivineMajesty，whoinsistsuponthemwithsuchearnestness，isangrywith，andpunishesthosewhodespisethem，and，ontheotherhand，abundantlyrewardsthosewhokeepthem，therewillbeaspontaneousimpulseandadesiregladlytodothewillofGod.
ThereforeitisnotinvainthatitiscommandedintheOldTestamenttowritetheTenCommandmentsonallwallsandcorners，yes，evenonthegarments，notforthesakeofmerelyhavingthemwrittenintheseplacesandmakingashowofthem，asdidtheJews，butthatwemighthaveoureyesconstantlyfixeduponthem，andhavethemalwaysinourmemory，andthatwemightpracticetheminallouractionsandways，andeveryonemakethemhisdailyexerciseinallcases，ineverybusinessandtransaction，asthoughtheywerewrittenineveryplacewhereverhewouldlook，yea，whereverhewalksorstands.Thustherewouldbeoccasionenough，bothathomeinourownhouseandabroadwithourneighbors，topracticetheTenCommandments，thatnooneneedrunfarforthem.
FromthisitagainappearshowhighlytheseTenCommandmentsaretobeexaltedandextolledaboveallestates，commandments，andworkswhicharetaughtandpracticedasidefromthem.Forherewecanboastandsay：Letallthewiseandsaintsstepforthandproduce，iftheycan，a[single]worklikethesecommandments，uponwhichGodinsistswithsuchearnestness，andwhichHeenjoinswithHisgreatestwrathandpunishment，and，besides，addssuchgloriouspromisesthatHewillpouroutuponusallgoodthingsandblessings.Thereforetheyshouldbetaughtaboveallothers，andbeesteemedpreciousanddear，asthehighesttreasuregivenbyGod.
PartSecond.OFTHECREED.
ThusfarwehaveheardthefirstpartofChristiandoctrine，inwhichwehaveseenallthatGodwishesustodoortoleaveundone.Now，thereproperlyfollowstheCreed，whichsetsforthtouseverythingthatwemustexpectandreceivefromGod，and，tostateitquitebriefly，teachesustoknowHimfully.AndthisisintendedtohelpusdothatwhichaccordingtotheTenCommandmentsweoughttodo.For（assaidabove）theyaresetsohighthatallhumanabilityisfartoofeebleandweakto[attaintoor]keepthem.Thereforeitisasnecessarytolearnthispartastheformerinorderthatwemayknowhowtoattainthereto，whenceandwherebytoobtainsuchpower.ForifwecouldbyourownpowerskeeptheTenCommandmentsastheyaretobekept，wewouldneednothingfurther，neithertheCreednortheLord’sPrayer.ButbeforeweexplainthisadvantageandnecessityoftheCreed，itissufficientatfirstforthesimple—mindedthattheylearntocomprehendandunderstandtheCreeditself.
Inthefirstplace，theCreedhashithertobeendividedintotwelvearticles，although，ifallpointswhicharewrittenintheScripturesandwhichbelongtotheCreedweretobedistinctlysetforth，therewouldbefarmorearticles，norcouldtheyallbeclearlyexpressedinsofewwords.Butthatitmaybemosteasilyandclearlyunderstoodasitistobetaughttochildren，weshallbrieflysumuptheentireCreedinthreechiefarticles，accordingtothethreepersonsintheGodhead，towhomeverythingthatwebelieveisrelated，SothattheFirstArticle，ofGodtheFather，explainsCreation，theSecondArticle，oftheSon，Redemption，andtheThird，oftheHolyGhost，Sanctification.JustasthoughtheCreedwerebrieflycomprehendedinsomanywords：IbelieveinGodtheFather，whohascreatedme;I
believeinGodtheSon，whohasredeemedme;IbelieveintheHolyGhost，whosanctifiesme.OneGodandonefaith，butthreepersons，thereforealsothreearticlesorconfessions.Letusbrieflyrunoverthewords.
ArticleI.
IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty，Makerofheavenandearth.
Thisportraysandsetsforthmostbrieflywhatistheessence，will，activity，andworkofGodtheFather.ForsincetheTenCommandmentshavetaughtthatwearetohavenotmorethanoneGod，thequestionmightbeasked，WhatkindofapersonisGod？WhatdoesHedo？HowcanwepraiseorportrayanddescribeHim，thatHemaybeknown？Now，thatistaughtinthisandinthefollowingarticle，sothattheCreedisnothingelsethantheanswerandconfessionofChristiansarrangedwithrespecttotheFirstCommandment.Asifyouweretoaskalittlechild：
Mydear，whatsortofaGodhaveyou？WhatdoyouknowofHim？hecouldsay：ThisismyGod：first，theFather，whohascreatedheavenandearth;besidesthisonlyOneIregardnothingelseasGod;forthereisnooneelsewhocouldcreateheavenandearth.
Butforthelearned，andthosewhoaresomewhatadvanced[haveacquiredsomeScripturalknowledge]，thesethreearticlesmayallbeexpandedanddividedintoasmanypartsastherearewords.Butnowforyoungscholarsletitsufficetoindicatethemostnecessarypoints，namely，aswehavesaid，thatthisarticlereferstotheCreation：thatweemphasizethewords：CreatorofheavenandearthButwhatistheforceofthis，orwhatdoyoumeanbythesewords：IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty，Maker，etc.？Answer：ThisiswhatImeanandbelieve，thatIamacreatureofGod;thatis，thatHehasgivenandconstantlypreservestomemybody，soul，andlife，membersgreatandsmall，allmysenses，reason，andunderstanding，andsoon，foodanddrink，clothingandsupport，wifeandchildren，domestics，houseandhome，etc.Besides，Hecausesallcreaturestoservefortheusesandnecessitiesoflife——sun，moonandstarsinthefirmament，dayandnight，air，fire，water，earth，andwhateveritbearsandproduces，birdsandfishes，beasts，grain，andallkindsofproduce，andwhateverelsethereisofbodilyandtemporalgoods，goodgovernment，peace，security.Thuswelearnfromthisarticlethatnoneofushasofhimself，norcanpreserve，hislifenoranythingthatishereenumeratedorcanbeenumerated，howeversmallandunimportantathingitmightbe，foralliscomprehendedinthewordCreator.
Moreover，wealsoconfessthatGodtheFatherhasnotonlygivenusallthatwehaveandseebeforeoureyes，butdailypreservesanddefendsusagainstallevilandmisfortune，avertsallsortsofdangerandcalamity;andthatHedoesallthisoutofpureloveandgoodness，withoutourmerit，asabenevolentFather，whocaresforusthatnoevilbefallus.Buttospeakmoreofthisbelongsintheothertwopartsofthisarticle，wherewesay：FatherAlmightyNow，since：allthatwepossess，and，moreover，whatever，inaddition，isinheavenandupontheearth，isdailygiven，preserved，andkeptforusbyGod，itisreadilyinferredandconcludedthatitisourdutytolove，praise，andthankHimforitwithoutceasing，and，inshort，toserveHimwithallthesethingsasHedemandsandhasenjoinedintheTenCommandments.
Herewecouldsaymuchifweweretoexpatiate，howfewtherearethatbelievethisarticle.Forweallpassoverit，hearitandsayit，butneitherseenorconsiderwhatthewordsteachus.Forifwebelieveditwiththeheart，wewouldalsoactaccordingly，andnotstalkaboutproudly，actdefiantly，andboastasthoughwehadlife，riches，power，andhonor，etc.，ofourselves，sothatothersmustfearandserveus，asisthepracticeofthewretched，perverseworld，whichisdrownedinblindness，andabusesallthegoodthingsandgiftsofGodonlyforitsownpride，avarice，lust，andluxury，andneveronceregardsGod，soastothankHimoracknowledgeHimasLordandCreator.
Therefore，thisarticleoughttohumbleandterrifyusall，ifwebelievedit.Forwesindailywitheyes，ears，hands，bodyandsoul，moneyandpossessions，andwitheverythingwehave，especiallythosewhoevenfightagainsttheWordofGod.YetChristianshavethisadvantage，thattheyacknowledgethemselvesindutyboundtoserveGodforallthesethings，andtobeobedienttoHim[whichtheworldknowsnothowtodo].
Weought，therefore，dailytopracticethisarticle，impressituponourmind，andtorememberitinallthatmeetsoureyes，andinallgoodthatfallstoourlot，andwhereverweescapefromcalamityordanger，thatitisGodwhogivesanddoesallthesethings，thatthereinwesenseandseeHispaternalheartandHistranscendentlovetowardus.Therebytheheartwouldbewarmedandkindledtobethankful，andtoemployallsuchgoodthingstothehonorandpraiseofGod.
Thuswehavemostbrieflypresentedthemeaningofthisarticle，asmuchasisatfirstnecessaryforthemostsimpletolearn，bothastowhatwehaveandreceivefromGod，andwhatweoweinreturn，whichisamostexcellentknowledge，butafargreatertreasure.ForhereweseehowtheFatherhasgivenHimselftous，togetherwithallcreatures，andhasmostrichlyprovidedforusinthislife，besidesthatHehasoverwhelmeduswithunspeakable，eternaltreasuresbyHisSonandtheHolyGhost，asweshallhear.
ArticleII.
AndinJesusChrist，HisonlySon，ourLord，whowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost，bornoftheVirginMary;sufferedunderPontiusPilate，wascrucified，dead，andburied;Hedescendedintohell;thethirddayHeroseagainfromthedead;Heascendedintoheaven，andsittethontherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.
HerewelearntoknowtheSecondPersonoftheGodhead，sothatweseewhatwehavefromGodoverandabovethetemporalgoodsaforementioned;namely，howHehascompletelypouredforthHimselfandwithheldnothingfromusthatHehasnotgivenus.Now，thisarticleisveryrichandbroad;butinordertoexpounditalsobrieflyandinachildlikeway，weshalltakeuponewordandsumupinthattheentirearticle，namely（aswehavesaid），thatwemayherelearnhowwehavebeenredeemed;andweshallbasethisonthesewords：InJesusChrist，ourLord.
Ifnowyouareasked，WhatdoyoubelieveintheSecondArticleofJesusChrist？answerbriefly：IbelievethatJesusChrist，trueSonofGod，hasbecomemyLord.ButwhatisittobecomeLord？Itisthis，thatHehasredeemedmefromsin，fromthedevil，fromdeath，andallevil.ForbeforeIhadnoLordnorKing，butwascaptiveunderthepowerofthedevil，condemnedtodeath，enmeshedinsinandblindness.
ForwhenwehadbeencreatedbyGodtheFather，andhadreceivedfromHimallmannerofgood，thedevilcameandledusintodisobedience，sin，death，andallevil，sothatwefellunderHiswrathanddispleasureandweredoomedtoeternaldamnation，aswehadmeritedanddeserved.Therewasnocounsel，help，orcomfortuntilthisonlyandeternalSonofGodinHisunfathomablegoodnesshadcompassionuponourmiseryandwretchedness，andcamefromheaventohelpus.Thosetyrantsandjailers，then，areallexpellednow，andintheirplacehascomeJesusChrist，Lordoflife，righteousness，everyblessing，andsalvation，andhasdelivereduspoorlostmenfromthejawsofhell，haswonus，madeusfree，andbroughtusagainintothefavorandgraceoftheFather，andhastakenusasHisownpropertyunderHisshelterandprotection，thatHemaygovernusbyHisrighteousness，wisdom，power，life，andblessedness.
Letthisthen，bethesumofthisarticlethatthelittlewordLordsignifiessimplyasmuchasRedeemer，i.e.，HewhohasbroughtusfromSatantoGod，fromdeathtolife，fromsintorighteousness，andwhopreservesusinthesame.Butallthepointswhichfollowinorderinthisarticleservenootherendthantoexplainandexpressthisredemption，howandwherebyitwasaccomplished，thatis，howmuchitcostHim，andwhatHespentandriskedthatHemightwinusandbringusunderHisdominion，namely，thatHebecameman，conceivedandbornwithout[anystainof]sin，oftheHolyGhostandoftheVirginMary，thatHemightovercomesin;moreover，thatHesuffered，diedandwasburied，thatHemightmakesatisfactionformeandpaywhatIowe，notwithsilvernorgold，butwithHisownpreciousblood.Andallthis，inordertobecomemyLord;forHedidnoneoftheseforHimself，norhadHeanyneedofit.AndafterthatHeroseagainfromthedead，swallowedupanddevoureddeath，andfinallyascendedintoheavenandassumedthegovernmentattheFather’srighthand，sothatthedevilandallpowersmustbesubjecttoHimandlieatHisfeet，untilfinally，atthelastday，Hewillcompletelypartandseparateusfromthewickedworld，thedevil，death，sin，etc.
Buttoexplainallthesesinglepointsseparatelybelongsnottobriefsermonsforchildren，butrathertotheamplersermonsthatextendthroughouttheentireyear，especiallyatthosetimeswhichareappointedforthepurposeoftreatingatlengthofeacharticle——ofthebirth，sufferings，resurrection，ascensionofChrist，etc.
Ay，theentireGospelwhichwepreachisbasedonthis，thatweproperlyunderstandthisarticleasthatuponwhichoursalvationandallourhappinessrest，andwhichissorichandcomprehensivethatwenevercanlearnitfully.
ArticleIII.
IbelieveintheHolyGhost;theholyChristianChurch，thecommunionofsaints;theforgivenessofsins;theresurrectionofthebody;andthelifeeverlasting.Amen.
Thisarticle（asIhavesaid）IcannotrelatebetterthantoSanctification，thatthroughthesametheHolyGhost，withHisoffice，isdeclaredanddepicted，namely，thatHemakesholy.ThereforewemusttakeourstanduponthewordHolyGhost，becauseitissopreciseandcomprehensivethatwecannotfindanother.Forthereare，besides，manykindsofspiritsmentionedintheHolyScriptures，as，thespiritofman，heavenlyspirits，andevilspirits.ButtheSpiritofGodaloneiscalledHolyGhost，thatis，Hewhohassanctifiedandstillsanctifiesus.ForastheFatheriscalledCreator，theSonRedeemer，sotheHolyGhost，fromHiswork，mustbecalledSanctifier，orOnethatmakesholy.Buthowissuchsanctifyingdone？Answer：JustastheSonobtainsdominion，wherebyHewinsus，throughHisbirth，death，resurrection，etc.，soalsotheHolyGhosteffectsoursanctificationbythefollowingparts，namely，bythecommunionofsaintsortheChristianChurch，theforgivenessofsins，theresurrectionofthebody，andthelifeeverlasting;thatis，HefirstleadsusintoHisholycongregation，andplacesusinthebosomoftheChurch，wherebyHepreachestousandbringsustoChrist.
ForneitheryounorIcouldeverknowanythingofChrist，orbelieveonHim，andobtainHimforourLord，unlessitwereofferedtousandgrantedtoourheartsbytheHolyGhostthroughthepreachingoftheGospel.Theworkisdoneandaccomplished;forChristhasacquiredandgainedthetreasureforusbyHissuffering，death，resurrection，etc.
Butiftheworkremainedconcealedsothatnooneknewofit，thenitwouldbeinvainandlost.Thatthistreasure，therefore，mightnotlieburied，butbeappropriatedandenjoyed，GodhascausedtheWordtogoforthandbeproclaimed，inwhichHegivestheHolyGhosttobringthistreasurehomeandappropriateittous.ThereforesanctifyingisnothingelsethanbringingustoChristtoreceivethisgood，towhichwecouldnotattainofourselves.
Learn，then，tounderstandthisarticlemostclearly.Ifyouareasked：Whatdoyoumeanbythewords：IbelieveintheHolyGhost？youcananswer：IbelievethattheHolyGhostmakesmeholy，asHisnameimplies.ButwherebydoesHeaccomplishthis，orwhatareHismethodandmeanstothisend？Answer：BytheChristianChurch，theforgivenessofsins，theresurrectionofthebody，andthelifeeverlasting.For，inthefirstplace，Hehasapeculiarcongregationintheworld，whichisthemotherthatbegetsandbearseveryChristianthroughtheWordofGod，whichHerevealsandpreaches，[andthroughwhich]Heilluminesandenkindleshearts，thattheyunderstand，acceptit，clingtoit，andpersevereinit.
ForwhereHedoesnotcauseittobepreachedandmadealiveintheheart，sothatitisunderstood，itislost，aswasthecaseunderthePapacy，wherefaithwasentirelyputunderthebench，andnoonerecognizedChristashisLordortheHolyGhostashisSanctifier，thatis，noonebelievedthatChristisourLordinthesensethatHehasacquiredthistreasureforus，withoutourworksandmerit，andmadeusacceptabletotheFather.What，then，waslacking？This，thattheHolyGhostwasnottheretorevealitandcauseittobepreached;butmenandevilspiritswerethere，whotaughtustoobtaingraceandbesavedbyourworks.ThereforeitisnotaChristianChurcheither;forwhereChristisnotpreached，thereisnoHolyGhostwhocreates，calls，andgatherstheChristianChurch，withoutwhichnoonecancometoChristtheLord.Letthissufficeconcerningthesumofthisarticle.Butbecausethepartswhicharehereenumeratedarenotquitecleartothesimple，weshallrunoverthemalso.
TheCreeddenominatestheholyChristianChurch，communionemsanctorum，acommunionofsaints;forbothexpressions，takentogether，areidentical.Butformerlytheone[thesecond]expressionwasnotthere，andithasbeenpoorlyandunintelligiblytranslatedintoGermaneineGemeinschaftderHeiligen，acommunionofsaints.Ifitistoberenderedplainly，itmustbeexpressedquitedifferentlyintheGermanidiom;forthewordecclesiaproperlymeansinGermaneineVersammlung，anassembly.Butweareaccustomedtothewordchurch，bywhichthesimpledonotunderstandanassembledmultitude，buttheconsecratedhouseorbuilding，althoughthehouseoughtnottobecalledachurch，exceptonlyforthereasonthatthemultitudeassemblesthere.Forwewhoassembletheremakeandchooseforourselvesaparticularplace，andgiveanametothehouseaccordingtotheassembly.
ThusthewordKirche（church）meansreallynothingelsethanacommonassemblyandisnotGermanbyidiom，butGreek（asisalsothewordecclesia）;forintheirownlanguagetheycallitkyria，asinLatinitiscalledcuria.ThereforeingenuineGerman，inourmother—tongue，itoughttobecalledaChristiancongregationorassembly（einechristlicheGemeindeoderSammlung），or，bestofallandmostclearly，holyChristendom（eineheiligeChristenheit）.
Soalsothewordcommunio，whichisadded，oughtnottoberenderedcommunion（Gemeinschaft），butcongregation（Gemeinde）.AnditisnothingelsethananinterpretationorexplanationbywhichsomeonemeanttoexplainwhattheChristianChurchis.Thisourpeople，whounderstoodneitherLatinnorGerman，haverenderedGemeinschaftderHeiligen（communionofsaints），althoughnoGermanlanguagespeaksthus，norunderstandsitthus.ButtospeakcorrectGerman，itoughttobeeineGemeindederHeiligen（acongregationofsaints），thatis，acongregationmadeuppurelyofsaints，or，tospeakyetmoreplainly，eineheiligeGemeinde，aholycongregation.IsaythisinorderthatthewordsGemeinschaftderHeiligen（communionofsaints）maybeunderstood，becausetheexpressionhasbecomesoestablishedbycustomthatitcannotwellbeeradicated，anditistreatedalmostasheresyifoneshouldattempttochangeaword.
Butthisisthemeaningandsubstanceofthisaddition：Ibelievethatthereisuponearthalittleholygroupandcongregationofpuresaints，underonehead，evenChrist，calledtogetherbytheHolyGhostinonefaith，onemind，andunderstanding，withmanifoldgifts，yetagreeinginlove，withoutsectsorschisms.Iamalsoapartandmemberofthesameasharerandjointownerofallthegoodsitpossesses，broughttoitandincorporatedintoitbytheHolyGhostbyhavingheardandcontinuingtoheartheWordofGod，whichisthebeginningofenteringit.Forformerly，beforewehadattainedtothis，wewerealtogetherofthedevil，knowingnothingofGodandofChrist.Thus，untilthelastday，theHolyGhostabideswiththeholycongregationorChristendom，bymeansofwhichHefetchesustoChristandwhichHeemploystoteachandpreachtoustheWord，wherebyHeworksandpromotessanctification，causingit[thiscommunity]dailytogrowandbecomestronginthefaithanditsfruitswhichHeproduces.
WefurtherbelievethatinthisChristianChurchwehaveforgivenessofsin，whichiswroughtthroughtheholySacramentsandAbsolution，moreover，throughallmannerofconsolatorypromisesoftheentireGospel.Therefore，whateveristobepreachedconcerningtheSacramentsbelongshere，and，inshort，thewholeGospelandalltheofficesofChristianity，whichalsomustbepreachedandtaughtwithoutceasing.
ForalthoughthegraceofGodissecuredthroughChrist，andsanctificationiswroughtbytheHolyGhostthroughtheWordofGodintheunityoftheChristianChurch，yetonaccountofourfleshwhichwebearaboutwithusweareneverwithoutsin.
Everything，therefore，intheChristianChurchisorderedtotheendthatweshalldailyobtaintherenothingbuttheforgivenessofsinthroughtheWordandsigns，tocomfortandencourageourconsciencesaslongaswelivehere.Thus，althoughwehavesins，the[graceofthe]
HolyGhostdoesnotallowthemtoinjureus，becauseweareintheChristianChurch，wherethereisnothingbut[continuous，uninterrupted]forgivenessofsin，bothinthatGodforgivesus，andinthatweforgive，bearwith，andhelpeachother.
ButoutsideofthisChristianChurch，wheretheGospelisnot，thereisnoforgiveness，asalsotherecanbenoholiness[sanctification].
Thereforeallwhoseekandwishtomeritholiness[sanctification]，notthroughtheGospelandforgivenessofsin，butbytheirworks，haveexpelledandseveredthemselves[fromthisChurch].
Meanwhile，however，whilesanctificationhasbegunandisgrowingdaily，weexpectthatourfleshwillbedestroyedandburiedwithallitsuncleanness，andwillcomeforthgloriously，andarisetoentireandperfectholinessinaneweternallife.Fornowweareonlyhalfpureandholy，sothattheHolyGhosthasever[somereasonwhy]tocontinueHisworkinusthroughtheWord，anddailytodispenseforgiveness，untilweattaintothatlifewheretherewillbenomoreforgiveness，butonlyperfectlypureandholypeople，fullofgodlinessandrighteousness，removedandfreefromsin，death，andallevil，inanew，immortal，andglorifiedbody.
Behold，allthisistobetheofficeandworkoftheHolyGhost，thatHebeginanddailyincreaseholinessuponearthbymeansofthesetwothings，theChristianChurchandtheforgivenessofsin.ButinourdissolutionHewillaccomplishitaltogetherinaninstant，andwillforeverpreserveusthereinbythelasttwoparts.
ButthetermAuferstehungdesFleisches（resurrectionoftheflesh）
hereemployedisnotaccordingtogoodGermanidiom.ForwhenweGermanshearthewordFleisch（flesh），wethinknofartherthanoftheshambles.ButingoodGermanidiomwewouldsayAuferstehungdesLeibes，orLeichnams（resurrectionofthebody）.However，itisnotamatterofmuchmoment，ifweonlyunderstandthewordsaright.
This，now，isthearticlewhichmusteverbeandremaininoperation.
Forcreationwehavereceived;redemption，too，isfinished.ButtheHolyGhostcarriesonHisworkwithoutceasingtothelastday.AndforthatpurposeHehasappointedacongregationuponearthbywhichHespeaksanddoeseverything.ForHehasnotyetbroughttogetherallHisChristianChurchnordispensedforgiveness.ThereforewebelieveinHimwhothroughtheWorddailybringsusintothefellowshipofthisChristianChurch，andthroughthesameWordandtheforgivenessofsinsbestows，increases，andstrengthensfaithinorderthatwhenHehasaccomplisheditall，andweabidetherein，anddietotheworldandtoallevil，Hemayfinallymakeusperfectlyandforeverholy;whichnowweexpectinfaiththroughtheWord.
Behold，hereyouhavetheentiredivineessence，will，andworkdepictedmostexquisitelyinquiteshortandyetrichwordswhereinconsistsallourwisdom，whichsurpassesandexceedsthewisdom，mind，andreasonofallmen.ForalthoughthewholeworldwithalldiligencehasendeavoredtoascertainwhatGodis，whatHehasinmindanddoes，yethassheneverbeenabletoattainto[theknowledgeandunderstandingof]anyofthesethings.Butherewehaveeverythinginrichestmeasure;forhereinallthreearticlesHehasHimselfrevealedandopenedthedeepestabyssofhispaternalheartandofHispureunutterablelove.ForHehascreatedusforthisveryobject，thatHemightredeemandsanctifyus;andinadditiontogivingandimpartingtouseverythinginheavenanduponearth，HehasgiventousevenHisSonandtheHolyGhost，bywhomtobringustoHimself.For（asexplainedabove）wecouldneverattaintotheknowledgeofthegraceandfavoroftheFatherexceptthroughtheLordChrist，whoisamirrorofthepaternalheart，outsideofwhomweseenothingbutanangryandterribleJudge.ButofChristwecouldknownothingeither，unlessithadbeenrevealedbytheHolyGhost.
ThesearticlesoftheCreed，therefore，divideandseparateusChristiansfromallotherpeopleuponearth.ForalloutsideofChristianity，whetherheathen，Turks，Jews，orfalseChristiansandhypocrites，althoughtheybelievein，andworship，onlyonetrueGod，yetknownotwhatHismindtowardsthemis，andcannotexpectanyloveorblessingfromHim;thereforetheyabideineternalwrathanddamnation.FortheyhavenottheLordChrist，and，besides，arenotilluminedandfavoredbyanygiftsoftheHolyGhost.
FromthisyouperceivethattheCreedisadoctrinequitedifferentfromtheTenCommandments;forthelatterteachesindeedwhatweoughttodo，buttheformertellswhatGoddoesforusandgivestous.
Moreover，apartfromthis，theTenCommandmentsarewrittenintheheartsofallmen;theCreed，however，nohumanwisdomcancomprehend，butitmustbetaughtbytheHolyGhostalone.Thelatterdoctrine[oftheLaw]，thereforemakesnoChristian，forthewrathanddispleasureofGodabideuponusstill，becausewecannotkeepwhatGoddemandsofus;butthis[namely，thedoctrineoffaith]bringspuregrace，andmakesusgodlyandacceptabletoGod.ForbythisknowledgeweobtainloveanddelightinallthecommandmentsofGod，becausehereweseethatGodgivesHimselfentiretous，withallthatHehasandisabletodo，toaidanddirectusinkeepingtheTenCommandments——theFather，allcreatures;theSon，Hisentirework;andtheHolyGhost，allHisgifts.
LetthissufficeconcerningtheCreedtolayafoundationforthesimple，thattheymaynotbeburdened，sothat，iftheyunderstandthesubstanceofit，theythemselvesmayafterwardsstrivetoacquiremore，andtorefertothesepartswhatevertheylearnintheScriptures，andmayevergrowandincreaseinricherunderstanding.Foraslongaswelivehere，weshalldailyhaveenoughtodotopreachandtolearnthis.
PartThird.OFPRAYER.
TheLord’sPrayer.
Wehavenowheardwhatwemustdoandbelieve，inwhichthingsthebestandhappiestlifeconsists.Nowfollowsthethirdpart，howweoughttopray.ForsincewearesosituatedthatnomancanperfectlykeeptheTenCommandments，eventhoughhehavebeguntobelieve，andsincethedevilwithallhispowertogetherwiththeworldandourownflesh，resistsourendeavors，nothingissonecessaryasthatweshouldcontinuallyresorttotheearofGod，calluponHim，andpraytoHim，thatHewouldgive，preserve，andincreaseinusfaithandthefulfillmentoftheTenCommandments，andthatHewouldremoveeverythingthatisinourwayandopposesustherein.Butthatwemightknowwhatandhowtopray，ourLordChristhasHimselftaughtusboththemodeandthewords，asweshallsee.
ButbeforeweexplaintheLord’sPrayerpartbypart，itismostnecessaryfirsttoexhortandincitepeopletoprayer，asChristandtheapostlesalsohavedone.AndthefirstmatteristoknowthatitisourdutytopraybecauseofGod’scommandment.ForthusweheardintheSecondCommandment：Thoushaltnottakethenameofthelord，thyGod，invain，thatwearethererequiredtopraisethatholyname，andcalluponitineveryneed，ortopray.FortocalluponthenameofGodisnothingelsethantopray.Prayeristhereforeasstrictlyandearnestlycommandedasallothercommandments：tohavenootherGod，nottokill，nottosteal，etc.Letnoonethinkthatitisallthesamewhetherheprayornot，asvulgarpeopledo，whogropeinsuchdelusionandaskWhyshouldIpray？WhoknowswhetherGodheedsorwillhearmyprayer？IfIdonotpray，someoneelsewill.Andthustheyfallintothehabitofneverpraying，andframeapretext，asthoughwetaughtthatthereisnodutyorneedofprayer，becausewerejectfalseandhypocriticalprayers.
Butthisistrueindeedthatsuchprayersashavebeenofferedhithertowhenmenwerebabblingandbawlinginthechurcheswerenoprayers.Forsuchexternalmatters，whentheyareproperlyobserved，maybeagoodexerciseforyoungchildren，scholars，andsimplepersons，andmaybecalledsingingorreading，butnotreallypraying.
Butpraying，astheSecondCommandmentteaches，istocalluponGodineveryneed.ThisHerequiresofus，andhasnotleftittoourchoice.
ButitisourdutyandobligationtoprayifwewouldbeChristians，asmuchasitisourdutyandobligationtoobeyourparentsandthegovernment;forbycallinguponitandprayingthenameofGodishonoredandprofitablyemployed.Thisyoumustnoteaboveallthings，thattherebyyoumaysilenceandrepelsuchthoughtsaswouldkeepanddeterusfromprayer.Forjustasitwouldbeidleforasontosaytohisfather，\"Ofwhatadvantageismyobedience？IwillgoanddowhatIcan;itisallthesame\";buttherestandsthecommandment，Thoushaltandmustdoit，soalsohereitisnotlefttomywilltodoitorleaveitundone，butprayershallandmustbeofferedattheriskofGod’swrathanddispleasure.
Thisisthereforetobeunderstoodandnotedbeforeeverythingelse，inorderthattherebywemaysilenceandrepelthethoughtswhichwouldkeepanddeterusfrompraying，asthoughitwerenotofmuchconsequenceifwedonotpray，orasthoughitwerecommandedthosewhoareholierandinbetterfavorwithGodthanwe;as，indeed，thehumanheartisbynaturesodespondentthatitalwaysfleesfromGodandimaginesthatHedoesnotwishordesireourprayer，becausewearesinnersandhavemeritednothingbutwrath.Againstsuchthoughts（I
say）weshouldregardthiscommandmentandturntoGod，thatwemaynotbysuchdisobedienceexciteHisangerstillmore.ForbythiscommandmentHegivesusplainlytounderstandthatHewillnotcastusfromHimnorchaseusaway，althoughwearesinners，butratherdrawustoHimself，sothatwemighthumbleourselvesbeforeHim，bewailthismiseryandplightofours，andprayforgraceandhelp.ThereforewereadintheScripturesthatHeisangryalsowiththosewhoweresmittenfortheirsin，becausetheydidnotreturntoHimandbytheirprayersassuageHiswrathandseekHisgrace.
Now，fromthefactthatitissosolemnlycommandedtopray，youaretoconcludeandthink，thatnooneshouldbyanymeansdespisehisprayer，butrathersetgreatstorebyit，andalwaysseekanillustrationfromtheothercommandments.Achildshouldbynomeansdespisehisobediencetofatherandmother，butshouldalwaysthink：Thisworkisaworkofobedience，andwhatIdoIdowithnootherintentionthanthatImaywalkintheobedienceandcommandmentofGod，onwhichIcansettleandstandfirm，andesteemitagreatthing，notonaccountofmyworthiness，butonaccountofthecommandment.Soherealso，whatandforwhatweprayweshouldregardasdemandedbyGodanddoneinobediencetoHim，andshouldreflectthus：Onmyaccountitwouldamounttonothing;butitshallavail，forthereasonthatGodhascommandedit.Thereforeeverybody，nomatterwhathehastosayinprayer，shouldalwayscomebeforeGodinobediencetothiscommandment.
Wepray，therefore，andexhorteveryonemostdiligentlytotakethistoheartandbynomeanstodespiseourprayer.Forhithertoithasbeentaughtthusinthedevil’snamethatnooneregardedthesethings，andmensupposedittobesufficienttohavedonethework，whetherGodwouldhearitornot.Butthatisstakingprayeronarisk，andmurmuringitataventure，andthereforeitisalostprayer.Forweallowsuchthoughtsasthesetoleadusastrayanddeterus：Iamnotholyorworthyenough;ifIwereasgodlyandholyasSt.PeterorSt.
Paul，thenIwouldpray.Butputsuchthoughtsfaraway，forjustthesamecommandmentwhichappliedtoSt.Paulappliesalsotome;andtheSecondCommandmentisgivenasmuchonmyaccountasonhisaccount，sothathecanboastofnobetterorholiercommandment.
Thereforeyoushouldsay：Myprayerisasprecious，holy，andpleasingtoGodasthatofSt.Paulorofthemostholysaints.Thisisthereason：ForIwillgladlygrantthatheisholierinhisperson，butnotonaccountofthecommandment;sinceGoddoesnotregardprayeronaccountoftheperson，butonaccountofHiswordandobediencethereto.ForonthecommandmentonwhichallthesaintsresttheirprayerI，too，restmine.MoreoverIprayforthesamethingforwhichtheyallprayandeverhaveprayed;besides，Ihavejustasgreataneedofitasthosegreatsaints，yea，evenagreateronethanthey.
Letthisbethefirstandmostimportantpoint，thatallourprayersmustbebasedandrestuponobediencetoGod，irrespectiveofourperson，whetherwebesinnersorsaints，worthyorunworthy.AndwemustknowthatGodwillnothaveittreatedasajest，butbeangry，andpunishallwhodonotpray，assurelyasHepunishesallotherdisobedience;next，thatHewillnotsufferourprayerstobeinvainorlost.ForifHedidnotintendtoansweryourprayer，Hewouldnotbidyouprayandaddsuchaseverecommandmenttoit.
Inthesecondplace，weshouldbethemoreurgedandincitedtopraybecauseGodhasalsoaddedapromise，anddeclaredthatitshallsurelybedonetousaswepray，asHesaysPs.50，15：CalluponMeinthedayoftrouble：Iwilldeliverthee.AndChristintheGospelofSt.
Matthew，7，7：Ask，anditshallbegivenyou.Foreveryonethataskethreceiveth.Suchpromisesoughtcertainlytoencourageandkindleourheartstopraywithpleasureanddelight，sinceHetestifieswithHis[own]wordthatourprayerisheartilypleasingtoHim，moreover，thatitshallassuredlybeheardandgranted，inorderthatwemaynotdespiseitorthinklightlyofit，andprayataventure.
ThisyoucanholduptoHimandsay：HereIcome，dearFather，andpray，notofmyownpurposenoruponmyownworthiness，butatThycommandmentandpromise，whichcannotfailordeceiveme.Whoever，therefore，doesnotbelievethispromisemustknowagainthatheexcitesGodtoangerasapersonwhomosthighlydishonorsHimandreproachesHimwithfalsehood.
Besidesthis，weshouldbeincitedanddrawntoprayerbecauseinadditiontothiscommandmentandpromiseGodanticipatesus，andHimselfarrangesthewordsandformofprayerforus，andplacesthemuponourlipsastohowandwhatweshouldpray，thatwemayseehowheartilyHepitiesusinourdistress，andmayneverdoubtthatsuchprayerispleasingtoHimandshallcertainlybeanswered;which[theLord’sPrayer]isagreatadvantageindeedoverallotherprayersthatwemightcomposeourselves.Forinthemtheconsciencewouldeverbeindoubtandsay：Ihaveprayed，butwhoknowshowitpleasesHim，orwhetherIhavehitupontherightproportionsandform？HencethereisnonoblerprayertobefounduponearththantheLord’sPrayerwhichwedailypraybecauseithasthisexcellenttestimony，thatGodlovestohearit，whichweoughtnottosurrenderforalltherichesoftheworld.
Andithasbeenprescribedalsoforthisreasonthatweshouldseeandconsiderthedistresswhichoughttourgeandcompelustopraywithoutceasing.Forwhoeverwouldpraymusthavesomethingtopresent，state，andnamewhichhedesires;ifnot，itcannotbecalledaprayer.
Thereforewehaverightlyrejectedtheprayersofmonksandpriests，whohowlandgrowldayandnightlikefiends;butnoneofthemthinkofprayingforahair’sbreadthofanything.Andifwewouldassembleallthechurches，togetherwithallecclesiastics，theywouldbeobligedtoconfessthattheyhaveneverfromtheheartprayedforevenadropofwine.FornoneofthemhaseverpurposedtoprayfromobediencetoGodandfaithinHispromise，norhasanyoneregardedanydistress，but（whentheyhaddonetheirbest）theythoughtnofurtherthanthis，todoagoodwork，wherebytheymightrepayGod，asbeingunwillingtotakeanythingfromHim，butwishingonlytogiveHimsomething.
Butwherethereistobeatrueprayertheremustbeearnestness.Menmustfeeltheirdistress，andsuchdistressaspressesthemandcompelsthemtocallandcryoutthenprayerwillbemadespontaneously，asitoughttobe，andmenwillrequirenoteachinghowtoprepareforitandtoattaintotheproperdevotion.Butthedistresswhichoughttoconcernusmost，bothasregardsourselvesandeveryone，youwillfindabundantlysetforthintheLord’sPrayer.Thereforeitistoservealsotoremindusofthesame，thatwecontemplateitandlayittoheart，lestwebecomeremissinprayer.Forweallhaveenoughthatwelack，butthegreatwantisthatwedonotfeelnorseeit.ThereforeGodalsorequiresthatyoulamentandpleadsuchnecessitiesandwants，notbecauseHedoesnotknowthem，butthatyoumaykindleyourhearttostrongerandgreaterdesires，andmakewideandopenyourcloaktoreceivemuch.
Therefore，everyoneofusshouldaccustomhimselffromhisyouthdailytoprayforallhiswants，wheneverheissensibleofanythingaffectinghisinterestsorthatofotherpeopleamongwhomhemaylive，asforpreachers，thegovernment，neighbors，domestics，andalways（aswehavesaid）toholduptoGodHiscommandmentandpromise，knowingthatHewillnothavethemdisregarded.ThisIsaybecauseIwouldliketoseethesethingsbroughthomeagaintothepeoplethattheymightlearntopraytruly，andnotgoaboutcoldlyandindifferently，wherebytheybecomedailymoreunfitforprayer;whichisjustwhatthedevildesires，andforwhatheworkswithallhispowers.Forheiswellawarewhatdamageandharmitdoeshimwhenprayerisinproperpractice.Forthiswemustknow，thatallourshelterandprotectionrestinprayeralone.Forwearefartoofeebletocopewiththedevilandallhispowerandadherentsthatsetthemselvesagainstus，andtheymighteasilycrushusundertheirfeet.ThereforewemustconsiderandtakeupthoseweaponswithwhichChristiansmustbearmedinordertostandagainstthedevil.Forwhatdoyouthinkhashithertoaccomplishedsuchgreatthings，hascheckedorquelledthecounsels，purposes，murder，andriotofourenemies，wherebythedevilthoughttocrushus，togetherwiththeGospel，exceptthattheprayerofafewgodlymenintervenedlikeawallofirononourside？Theyshouldelsehavewitnessedafardifferenttragedy，namely，howthedevilwouldhavedestroyedallGermanyinitsownblood.Butnowtheymayconfidentlyderideitandmakeamockofit，however，weshallneverthelessbeamatchbothforthemselvesandthedevilbyprayeralone，ifweonlyperseverediligentlyandnotbecomeslack.ForwheneveragodlyChristianprays：DearFatherletThywillbedone，Godspeaksfromonhighandsays：Yes，dearchild，itshallbeso，inspiteofthedevilandalltheworld.
Letthisbesaidasanexhortation，thatmenmaylearn，firstofall，toesteemprayerassomethinggreatandprecious，andtomakeaproperdistinctionbetweenbabblingandprayingforsomething.Forwebynomeansrejectprayer，butthebare，uselesshowlingandmurmuringwereject，asChristHimselfalsorejectsandprohibitslongpalavers.NowweshallmostbrieflyandclearlytreatoftheLord’sPrayer.Herethereiscomprehendedinsevensuccessivearticles，orpetitions，everyneedwhichneverceasestorelatetous，andeachsogreatthatitoughttoconstrainustokeepprayingitallourlives.
TheFirstPetition.
HallowedbeThyname.
Thisis，indeed，somewhatobscure，andnotexpressedingoodGerman，forinourmother—tonguewewouldsay：HeavenlyFather，helpthatbyallmeansThynamemaybeholy.ButwhatisittopraythatHisnamemaybeholy？Isitnotholyalready？Answer：Yes，itisalwaysholyinitsnature，butinouruseitisnotholy.ForGod’snamewasgivenuswhenwebecameChristiansandwerebaptized，sothatwearecalledchildrenofGodandhavetheSacramentsbywhichHesoincorporatesusinHimselfthateverythingwhichisGod’smustserveforouruse.
Herenowthegreatneedexistsforwhichweoughttobemostconcerned，thatthisnamehaveitsproperhonor，beesteemedholyandsublimeasthegreatesttreasureandsanctuarythatwehave;andthatasgodlychildrenwepraythatthenameofGod，whichisalreadyholyinheaven，mayalsobeandremainholywithusuponearthandinalltheworld.
Buthowdoesitbecomeholyamongus？Answer，asplainlyasitcanbesaid：WhenbothourdoctrineandlifearegodlyandChristian.ForsinceinthisprayerwecallGodourFather，itisourdutyalwaystodeportanddemeanourselvesasgodlychildren，thatHemaynotreceiveshame，buthonorandpraisefromus.
NowthenameofGodisprofanedbyuseitherinwordsorinworks.（Forwhateverwedoupontheearthmustbeeitherwordsorworks，speechoract.）Inthefirstplace，then，itisprofanedwhenmenpreach，teach，andspeakinthenameofGodwhatisfalseandmisleading，sothatHisnamemustservetoadornandtofindamarketforfalsehood.Thatis，indeed，thegreatestprofanationanddishonorofthedivinename.
Furthermore，alsowhenmen，byswearing，cursing，conjuring，etc.，grosslyabusetheholynameasacloakfortheirshame.Inthesecondplacealsobyanopenlywickedlifeandworks，whenthosewhoarecalledChristiansandthepeopleofGodareadulterers，drunkards，misers，envious，andslanderers.HereagainmustthenameofGodcometoshameandbeprofanedbecauseofus.Forjustasitisashameanddisgracetoanaturalfathertohaveabadperversechildthatopposeshiminwordsanddeeds，sothatonitsaccounthesufferscontemptandreproach，soalsoitbringsdishonoruponGodifwewhoarecalledbyHisnameandhaveallmannerofgoodsfromHimteach，speak，andliveinanyothermannerexceptasgodlyandheavenlychildren，sothatpeoplesayofusthatwemustbenotGod’s，butthedevil’schildren.
ThusyouseethatinthispetitionweprayjustforthatwhichGoddemandsintheSecondCommandment;namely，thatHisnamebenottakeninvaintoswear，curse，lie，deceive，etc.，butbeusefullyemployedtothepraiseandhonorofGod.ForwhoeveremploysthenameofGodforanysortofwrongprofanesanddesecratesthisholyname，asaforetimeachurchwasconsidereddesecratedwhenamurderoranyothercrimehadbeencommittedinit，orwhenapyxorrelicwasdesecrated，asbeingholyinthemselves，yetbecomeunholyinuse.Thusthispointiseasyandclearifonlythelanguageisunderstood，thattohallowisthesameasinouridiomtopraise，magnify，andhonorbothinwordanddeed.
Here，now，learnhowgreatneedthereisofsuchprayer.Forbecauseweseehowfulltheworldisofsectsandfalseteachers，whoallweartheholynameasacoverandshamfortheirdoctrinesofdevils，weoughtbyallmeanstopraywithoutceasing，andtocryandcalluponGodagainstallsuchaspreachandbelievefalselyandwhateveropposesandpersecutesourGospelandpuredoctrine，andwouldsuppressit，asbishops，tyrants，enthusiasts，etc.LikewisealsoforourselveswhohavetheWordofGod，butarenotthankfulforit，norliveasweoughtaccordingtothesame.Ifnowyouprayforthiswithyourheart，youcanbesurethatitpleasesGod;forHewillnothearanythingmoredeartoHimthanthatHishonorandpraiseisexaltedaboveeverythingelse，andHisWordistaughtinitspurityandisesteemedpreciousanddear.
TheSecondPetition.
Thykingdomcome.
AsweprayedintheFirstPetitionconcerningthehonorandnameofGodthatHewouldpreventtheworldfromadorningitsliesandwickednesswithit，butcauseittobeesteemedsublimeandholybothindoctrineandlife，sothatHemaybepraisedandmagnifiedinus，soherewepraythatHiskingdomalsomaycome.ButjustasthenameofGodisinitselfholy，andweprayneverthelessthatitbeholyamongus，soalsoHiskingdomcomesofitself，withoutourprayer，yetweprayneverthelessthatitmaycometous，thatis，prevailamongusandwithus，sothatwemaybeapartofthoseamongwhomHisnameishallowedandHiskingdomprospers.
ButwhatisthekingdomofGod？Answer：NothingelsethanwhatwelearnedintheCreed，thatGodsentHisSonJesusChristourLord，intotheworldtoredeemanddeliverusfromthepowerofthedevil，andtobringustoHimself，andtogovernusasaKingofrighteousness，lifeandsalvationagainstsindeath，andanevilconscience，forwhichendHehasalsobestowedHisHolyGhost，whoistobringthesethingshometousbyHisholyWord，andtoillumineandstrengthenusinthefaithbyHispower.
Thereforeweprayhereinthefirstplacethatthismaybecomeeffectivewithus，andthatHisnamebesopraisedthroughtheholyWordofGodandaChristianlifethatbothwewhohaveaccepteditmayabideanddailygrowtherein，andthatitmaygainapprobationandadherenceamongotherpeopleandproceedwithpowerthroughouttheworld，thatmanymayfindentranceintotheKingdomofGrace，bemadepartakersofredemption，beingledtheretobytheHolyGhost，inorderthatthuswemayalltogetherremainforeverintheonekingdomnowbegun.
ForthecomingofGod’sKingdomtousoccursintwoways;first，hereintimethroughtheWordandfaith;andsecondly，ineternityforeverthroughrevelation.Nowweprayforboththesethings，thatitmaycometothosewhoarenotyetinit，and，bydailyincrease，touswhohavereceivedthesame，andhereafterineternallife.Allthisisnothingelsethansaying：DearFather，wepray，giveusfirstThyWord，thattheGospelbepreachedproperlythroughouttheworld;andsecondly，thatitbereceivedinfaith，andworkandliveinus，sothatthroughtheWordandthepoweroftheHolyGhostThykingdommayprevailamongus，andthekingdomofthedevilbeputdown，thathemayhavenorightorpoweroverus，untilatlastitshallbeutterlydestroyed，andsin，death，andhellshallbeexterminated，thatwemayliveforeverinperfectrighteousnessandblessedness.
Fromthisyouperceivethatweprayherenotforacrustofbreadoratemporal，perishablegood，butforaneternalinestimabletreasureandeverythingthatGodHimselfpossesses;whichisfartoogreatforanyhumanhearttothinkofdesiringifHehadnotHimselfcommandedustoprayforthesame.ButbecauseHeisGod，Healsoclaimsthehonorofgivingmuchmoreandmoreabundantlythananyonecancomprehend，——
likeaneternal，unfailingfountain，which，themoreitpoursforthandoverflows，themoreitcontinuestogive，——andHedesiresnothingmoreearnestlyofusthanthatweaskmuchandgreatthingsofHim，andagainisangryifwedonotaskandprayconfidently.
Forjustaswhentherichestandmostmightyemperorwouldbidapoorbeggaraskwhateverhemightdesire，andwerereadytogivegreatimperialpresents，andthefoolwouldbegonlyforadishofgruel，hewouldberightlyconsideredarogueandascoundrelwhotreatedthecommandofhisimperialmajestyasajestandsport，andwasnotworthyofcomingintohispresence：soalsoitisagreatreproachanddishonortoGodifwe，towhomHeoffersandpledgessomanyunspeakabletreasures，despisethesame，orhavenottheconfidencetoreceivethem，butscarcelyventuretoprayforapieceofbread.
AllthisisthefaultoftheshamefulunbeliefwhichdoesnotlooktoGodforasmuchgoodaswillsatisfythestomach，muchlessexpectswithoutdoubtsucheternaltreasuresofGod.Thereforewemuststrengthenourselvesagainstit，andletthisbeourfirstprayer;
then，indeed，weshallhaveallelseinabundance，asChristteaches[Matt.6，33]：SeekyefirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousnessandallthesethingsshallbeaddeduntoyou.ForhowcouldHeallowustosufferwantandtobestraitenedintemporalthingswhenHepromisesthatwhichiseternalandimperishable？
TheThirdPetition.
Thywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.
ThusfarwehaveprayedthatGod’snamebehonoredbyus，andthatHiskingdomprevailamongus;inwhichtwopointsiscomprehendedallthatpertainstothehonorofGodandtooursalvation，thatwereceiveasourownGodandallHisriches.Butnowaneedjustasgreatarises，namely，thatwefirmlykeepthem，anddonotsufferourselvestobetorntherefrom.Forasinagoodgovernmentitisnotonlynecessarythattherebethosewhobuildandgovernwell，butalsothosewhomakedefense，affordprotectionandmaintainitfirmly，soherelikewise，althoughwehaveprayedforthegreatestneed，fortheGospel，faith，andtheHolyGhost，thatHemaygovernusandredeemusfromthepowerofthedevil，wemustalsopraythatHiswillbedone.Fortherewillbehappeningsquitestrangeifwearetoabidetherein，asweshallhavetosuffermanythrustsandblowsonthataccountfromeverythingthatventurestoopposeandpreventthefulfillmentofthetwopetitionsthatprecede.
Fornoonebelieveshowthedevilopposesandresiststhem，andcannotsufferthatanyoneteachorbelievearight.Andithurtshimbeyondmeasuretosufferhisliesandabominations，thathavebeenhonoredunderthemostspeciouspretextsofthedivinename，tobeexposed，andtobedisgracedhimself，and，besides，bedrivenoutoftheheart，andsuffersuchabreachtobemadeinhiskingdom.Thereforehechafesandragesasafierceenemywithallhispowerandmight，andmarshalsallhissubjects，and，inadditionenliststheworldandourownfleshashisallies.Forourfleshisinitselfindolentandinclinedtoevil，eventhoughwehaveacceptedandbelievetheWordofGod.Theworld，however，isperverseandwicked;thisheincitesagainstus，fansandstirsthefire，thathemayhinderanddriveusback，causeustofall，andagainbringusunderhispower.Suchisallhiswill，mind，andthought，forwhichhestrivesdayandnight，andneverrestsamoment，employingallarts，wiles，ways，andmeanswhicheverhecaninvent.
IfwewouldbeChristians，therefore，wemustsurelyexpectandreckonuponhavingthedevilwithallhisangelsandtheworldasourenemies，whowillbringeverypossiblemisfortuneandgriefuponus.ForwheretheWordofGodispreached，accepted，orbelieved，andproducesfruit，theretheholycrosscannotbewanting.Andletnoonethinkthatheshallhavepeace;buthemustriskwhatwhateverhehasuponearth——
possessions，honor.houseandestate，wifeandchildren，bodyandlife.
Now，thishurtsourfleshandtheoldAdam;forthetestistobesteadfastandtosufferwithpatienceinwhateverwayweareassailed，andtoletgowhateveristakenfromus.
Hencethereisjustasgreatneed，asinalltheothers，thatwepraywithoutceasing：\"DearFather，Thywillbedone，notthewillofthedevilandofourenemies，norofanythingthatwouldpersecuteandsuppressThyholyWordorhinderThykingdom;andgrantthatwemaybearwithpatienceandovercomewhateveristobeenduredonthataccount，lestourpoorfleshyieldorfallawayfromweaknessorsluggishness.\"
Behold，thuswehaveinthesethreepetitions，inthesimplestmanner，theneedwhichrelatestoGodHimself，yetallforoursakes.Forwhateverweprayconcernsonlyus，namely，aswehavesaid，thatwhatmustbedoneanywaywithoutus，mayalsobedoneinus.ForasHisnamemustbehallowedandHiskingdomcomewithoutourprayer，soalsoHiswillmustbedoneandsucceedalthoughthedevilwithallhisadherentsraiseagreattumult，areangryandrageagainstit，andundertaketoexterminatetheGospelutterly.ButforourownsakeswemustpraythatevenagainsttheirfuryHiswillbedonewithouthindrancealsoamongus，thattheymaynotbeabletoaccomplishanythingandweremainfirmagainstallviolenceandpersecution，andsubmittosuchwillofGod.
Suchprayer，then，istobeourprotectionanddefensenow，istorepelandputdownallthatthedevil，Pope，bishops，tyrants，andhereticscandoagainstourGospel.Letthemallrageandattempttheirutmost，anddeliberateandresolvehowtheymaysuppressandexterminateus，thattheirwillandcounselmayprevail：overandagainstthisoneortwoChristianswiththispetitionaloneshallbeourwallagainstwhichtheyshallrunanddashthemselvestopieces.
Thisconsolationandconfidencewehave，thatthewillandpurposeofthedevilandofallourenemiesshallandmustfailandcometonaught，howeverproud，secure，andpowerfultheyknowthemselvestobe.