Foriftheirwillwerenotbrokenandhindered，thekingdomofGodcouldnotabideonearthnorHisnamebehallowed.
TheFourthPetition.
Giveusthisdayourdailybread.
Here，now，weconsiderthepoorbreadbasket，thenecessariesofourbodyandofthetemporallife.Itisabriefandsimpleword，butithasaverywidescope.Forwhenyoumentionandprayfordailybread，youprayforeverythingthatisnecessaryinordertohaveandenjoydailybreadand，ontheotherhand，againsteverythingwhichinterfereswithit.Thereforeyoumustopenwideandextendyourthoughtsnotonlytotheovenortheflour—binbuttothedistantfieldandtheentireland，whichbearsandbringstousdailybreadandeverysortofsustenance.ForifGoddidnotcauseittogrow，andblessandpreserveitinthefield，wecouldnevertakebreadfromtheovenorhaveanytosetuponthetable.
Tocompriseitbriefly，thispetitionincludeseverythingthatbelongstoourentirelifeintheworld，becauseonthataccountalonedoweneeddailybread.Nowforourlifeitisnotonlynecessarythatourbodyhavefoodandcoveringandothernecessaries，butalsothatwespendourdaysinpeaceandquietamongthepeoplewithwhomweliveandhaveintercourseindailybusinessandconversationandallsortsofdoings，inshort，whateverpertainsbothtothedomesticandtotheneighborlyorcivilrelationandgovernment.Forwherethesetwothingsarehindered[interceptedanddisturbed]thattheydonotprosperastheyought，thenecessariesoflifealsoareimpeded，sothatultimatelylifecannotbemaintained.Andthereis，indeed，thegreatestneedtoprayfortemporalauthorityandgovernment，asthatbywhichmostofallGodpreservestousourdailybreadandallthecomfortsofthislife.ForthoughwehavereceivedofGodallgoodthingsinabundancewearenotabletoretainanyofthemorusetheminsecurityandhappiness，ifHedidnotgiveusapermanentandpeacefulgovernment.Forwheretherearedissension，strife，andwar，therethedailybreadisalreadytakenaway，oratleastchecked.
Thereforeitwouldbeverypropertoplaceinthecoat—of—armsofeverypiousprincealoafofbreadinsteadofalion，orawreathofrue，ortostampituponthecoin，toremindboththemandtheirsubjectsthatbytheirofficewehaveprotectionandpeace，andthatwithoutthemwecouldnoteatandretainourdailybread.Thereforetheyarealsoworthyofallhonor，thatwegivetothemfortheirofficewhatweoughtandcan，astothosethroughwhomweenjoyinpeaceandquietnesswhatwehave，becauseotherwisewewouldnotkeepafarthing;andthat，inaddition，wealsoprayforthemthatthroughthemGodmaybestowonusthemoreblessingandgood.
Letthisbeaverybriefexplanationandsketch，showinghowfarthispetitionextendsthroughallconditionsonearth.Ofthisanyonemightindeedmakealongprayer，andwithmanywordsenumerateallthethingsthatareincludedtherein，asthatweprayGodtogiveusfoodanddrink，clothing，house，andhome，andhealthofbody;alsothatHecausethegrainandfruitsofthefieldtogrowandmaturewell;
furthermore，thatHehelpusathometowardsgoodhousekeeping，thatHegiveandpreservetousagodlywife，children，andservants，thatHecauseourwork，trade，orwhateverweareengagedintoprosperandsucceed，favoruswithfaithfulneighborsandgoodfriends，etc.
Likewise，thatHegivetoemperors，kings，andallestates，andespeciallytotherulersofourcountryandtoallcounselors，magistrates，andofficers，wisdom，strength，andsuccessthattheymaygovernwellandvanquishtheTurksandallenemies;tosubjectsandthecommonpeople，obedience，peace，andharmonyintheirlifewithoneanother，andontheotherhand，thatHewouldpreserveusfromallsortsofcalamitytobodyandlivelihood，aslightning，hail，fire，flood，poison，pestilence，cattle—plague，warandbloodshed，famine，destructivebeasts，wickedmen，etc.Allthisitiswelltoimpressuponthesimple，namely，thatthesethingscomefromGod，andmustbeprayedforbyus.
Butthispetitionisespeciallydirectedalsoagainstourchiefenemy，thedevil.ForallhisthoughtanddesireistodepriveusofallthatwehavefromGod，ortohinderit;andheisnotsatisfiedtoobstructanddestroyspiritualgovernmentinleadingsoulsastraybyhisliesandbringingthemunderhispower，buthealsopreventsandhindersthestabilityofallgovernmentandhonorable，peaceablerelationsonearth.
Therehecausessomuchcontention，murder，sedition，andwaralsolightningandhailtodestroygrainandcattle，topoisontheair，etc.
Inshort，heissorrythatanyonehasamorselofbreadfromGodandeatsitinpeace;andifitwereinhispower，andourprayer（nexttoGod）didnotpreventhim，wewouldnotkeepastrawinthefield，afarthinginthehouse，yea，notevenourlifeforanhour，especiallythosewhohavetheWordofGodandwouldliketobeChristians.
Behold，thusGodwishestoindicatetoushowHecaresforusinallourneed，andfaithfullyprovidesalsoforourtemporalsupport.andalthoughHeabundantlygrantsandpreservesthesethingseventothewickedandknaves，yetHewishesthatweprayforthem，inorderthatwemayrecognizethatwereceivethemfromHishand，andmayfeelHispaternalgoodnesstowardustherein.ForwhenHewithdrawsHishand，nothingcanprospernorbemaintainedintheend，as，indeed，wedailyseeandexperience.Howmuchtroublethereisnowintheworldonlyonaccountofbadcoin，yea，onaccountofdailyoppressionandraisingofpricesincommontrade，bargainingandlaboronthepartofthosewhowantonlyoppressthepooranddeprivethemoftheirdailybread！Thiswemustsufferindeed;butletthemtakecarethattheydonotlosethecommonintercession，andbewarelestthispetitionintheLord’sPrayerbeagainstthem.
TheFifthPetition.
Andforgiveusourtrespasses，asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.
Thispartnowrelatestoourpoormiserablelife，which，althoughwehaveandbelievetheWordofGod，anddoandsubmittoHiswill，andaresupportedbyHisgiftsandblessingsisneverthelessnotwithoutsin.Forwestillstumbledailyandtransgressbecauseweliveintheworldamongmenwhodousmuchharmandgiveuscauseforimpatience，anger，revenge，etc.Besides，wehaveSatanatourback，whosetsuponusoneveryside，andfights（aswehaveheard）againstalltheforegoingpetitions，sothatitisnotpossiblealwaystostandfirminsuchapersistentconflict.
ThereforethereishereagaingreatneedtocalluponGodandtopray：
DearFather，forgiveusourtrespasses.NotasthoughHedidnotforgivesinwithoutandevenbeforeourprayer（forHehasgivenustheGospel，inwhichispureforgivenessbeforeweprayedoreverthoughtaboutit）.Butthisistotheintentthatwemayrecognizeandacceptsuchforgiveness.ForsincethefleshinwhichwedailyliveisofsuchanaturethatitneithertrustsnorbelievesGod，andiseveractiveinevillustsanddevices，sothatwesindailyinwordanddeed，bycommissionandomissionbywhichtheconscienceisthrownintounrest，sothatitisafraidofthewrathanddispleasureofGod，andthuslosesthecomfortandconfidencederivedfromtheGospel;thereforeitisceaselesslynecessarythatwerunhitherandobtainconsolationtocomforttheconscienceagain.
ButthisshouldserveGod’spurposeofbreakingourprideandkeepingushumble.Forincaseanyoneshouldboastofhisgodlinessanddespiseothers，GodhasreservedthisprerogativetoHimself，thatthepersonistoconsiderhimselfandplacethisprayerbeforehiseyes，andhewillfindthatheisnobetterthanothers，andthatinthepresenceofGodallmustlowertheirplumes，andbegladthattheycanattainforgiveness.Andletnoonethinkthataslongasweliveherehecanreachsuchapositionthathewillnotneedsuchforgiveness.Inshort，ifGoddoesnotforgivewithoutceasing，wearelost.
ItisthereforetheintentofthispetitionthatGodwouldnotregardoursinsandholduptouswhatwedailydeserve，butwoulddealgraciouslywithus，andforgive，asHehaspromised，andthusgrantusajoyfulandconfidentconsciencetostandbeforeHiminprayer.ForwheretheheartisnotinrightrelationtowardsGod，norcantakesuchconfidence，itwillnevermoreventuretopray.Butsuchaconfidentandjoyfulheartcanspringfromnothingelsethanthe[certain]knowledgeoftheforgivenessofsin.
Butthereishereattachedanecessary，yetconsolatoryaddition：Asweforgive.Hehaspromisedthatweshallbesurethateverythingisforgivenandpardoned，yetinthemannerthatwealsoforgiveourneighbor.ForjustaswedailysinmuchagainstGodandyetHeforgiveseverythingthroughgrace，sowe，too，musteverforgiveourneighborwhodoesusinjury，violence，andwrong，showsmalicetowardus，etc.
If，thereforeyoudonotforgive，thendonotthinkthatGodforgivesyou;butifyouforgive，youhavethisconsolationandassurance，thatyouareforgiveninheaven，notonaccountofyourforgiving，——forGodforgivesfreelyandwithoutcondition，outofpuregrace，becauseHehassopromised，astheGospelteaches，——butinorderthatHemaysetthisupforourconfirmationandassuranceforasignalongsideofthepromisewhichaccordswiththisprayer，Luke6，37：Forgive，andyeshallbeforgiven.ThereforeChristalsorepeatsitsoonaftertheLord’sPrayer，andsays，Matt.6，14：Forifyeforgivementheirtrespasses，yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyou，etc.
Thissignisthereforeattachedtothispetition，that，whenwepray，werememberthepromiseandreflectthus：DearFather，forthisreasonIcomeandprayTheetoforgiveme，notthatIcanmakesatisfaction，orcanmeritanythingbymyworks，butbecauseThouhastpromisedandattachedthesealtheretothatIshouldbeassureasthoughIhadabsolutionpronouncedbyThyself.ForasmuchasBaptismandtheLord’sSupperappointedasexternalsigns，effect，somuchalsothissigncaneffecttoconfirmourconsciencesandcausethemtorejoice.Anditisespeciallygivenforthispurpose，thatwemightuseandpracticeiteveryhour，asathingthatwehavewithusatalltimes.
TheSixthPetition.
Andleadusnotintotemptation.
Wehavenowheardenoughwhattoilandlaborisrequiredtoretainallthatforwhichwepray，andtoperseveretherein，which，however，isnotachievedwithoutinfirmitiesandstumbling.Besides，althoughwehavereceivedforgivenessandagoodconscienceandareentirelyacquitted，yetisourlifeofsuchanaturethatonestandsto—dayandto—morrowfalls.Therefore，eventhoughwebegodlynowandstandbeforeGodwithagoodconscience，wemustprayagainthatHewouldnotsufferustorelapseandyieldtotrialsandtemptations.
Temptation，however，or（asourSaxonsinoldentimesusedtocallit）
Bekoerunge，isofthreekinds，namely，oftheflesh，oftheworldandofthedevil.ForinthefleshwedwellandcarrytheoldAdamaboutourneck，whoexertshimselfandincitesusdailytoinchastity，laziness，gluttonyanddrunkenness，avariceanddeception，todefraudourneighborandtooverchargehim，and，inshort，toallmannerofevillustswhichcleavetousbynature，andtowhichweareincitedbythesociety，exampleandwhatwehearandseeofotherpeople，whichoftenwoundandinflameevenaninnocentheart.
Nextcomestheworld，whichoffendsusinwordanddeed，andimpelsustoangerandimpatience.Inshort，thereisnothingbuthatredandenvy，enmity，violenceandwrong，unfaithfulness，vengeance，cursing，railleryslander，prideandhaughtiness，withsuperfluousfinery，honor，fame，andpower，wherenooneiswillingtobetheleast，buteveryonedesirestositattheheadandtobeseenbeforeall.
Thencomesthedevil，incitingandprovokinginalldirections，butespeciallyagitatingmattersthatconcerntheconscienceandspiritualaffairs，namely，toinduceustodespiseanddisregardboththeWordandworksofGodtotearusawayfromfaith，hope，andloveandbringusintomisbelief，falsesecurity，andobduracy，or，ontheotherhand，todespair，denialofGod，blasphemy，andinnumerableothershockingthings.Theseareindeedsnaresandnets，yea，realfierydartswhichareshotmostvenomouslyintotheheart，notbyfleshandblood，butbythedevil.
Greatandgrievous，indeed，arethesedangersandtemptationswhicheveryChristianmustbear，eventhougheachonewerealonebyhimself，sothateveryhourthatweareinthisvilelifewhereweareattackedonallsides，chasedandhunteddown，wearemovedtocryoutandtopraythatGodwouldnotsufferustobecomewearyandfaintandtorelapseintosin，shame，andunbelief.Forotherwiseitisimpossibletoovercomeeventheleasttemptation.
This，then，isleadingusnotintotemptation，towit，whenHegivesuspowerandstrengthtoresist，thetemptation，however，notbeingtakenawayorremoved.Forwhileweliveinthefleshandhavethedevilaboutus，noonecanescapetemptationandallurements;anditcannotbeotherwisethanthatwemustenduretrials，yea，beengulfedinthem;
butweprayforthis，thatwemaynotfallandbedrownedinthem.
Tofeeltemptationisthereforeafardifferentthingfromconsentingoryieldingtoit.Wemustallfeelit，althoughnotallinthesamemanner，butsomeinagreaterdegreeandmoreseverelythanothers;as，theyoungsufferespeciallyfromtheflesh，afterwards，theythatattaintomiddlelifeandoldage，fromtheworld，butotherswhoareoccupiedwithspiritualmatters，thatis，strongChristians，fromthedevil.Butsuchfeeling，aslongasitisagainstourwillandwewouldratherberidofit，canharmnoone.Forifwedidnotfeelit，itcouldnotbecalledatemptation.Buttoconsenttheretoiswhenwegiveitthereinsanddonotresistorprayagainstit.
ThereforeweChristiansmustbearmedanddailyexpecttobeincessantlyattacked，inorderthatnoonemaygooninsecurityandheedlessly，asthoughthedevilwerefarfromus，butatalltimesexpectandparryhisblows.ForthoughIamnowchaste，patient，kind，andinfirmfaith，thedevilwillthisveryhoursendsuchanarrowintomyheartthatIcanscarcelystand.Forheisanenemythatneverdesistsnorbecomestired，sothatwhenonetemptationceases，therealwaysariseothersandfreshones.
Accordingly，thereisnohelporcomfortexcepttorunhitherandtotakeholdoftheLord’sPrayer，andthusspeaktoGodfromtheheart：
DearFather，Thouhastbiddenmepray;letmenotrelapsebecauseoftemptations.Thenyouwillseethattheymustdesist，andfinallyacknowledgethemselvesconquered.Elseifyouventuretohelpyourselfbyyourownthoughtsandcounsel，youwillonlymakethematterworseandgivethedevilmorespace.Forhehasaserpent’shead，whichifitgainanopeningintowhichhecanslip，thewholebodywillfollowwithoutcheck.Butprayercanpreventhimanddrivehimback.
TheSeventhandLastPetition.
Butdeliverusfromevil.Amen.IntheGreektextthispetitionreadsthus：DeliverorpreserveusfromtheEvilOne，ortheMaliciousOne;
anditlooksasifHewerespeakingofthedevil，asthoughHewouldcomprehendeverythinginonesothattheentiresubstanceofallourprayerisdirectedagainstourchiefenemy.Foritishewhohindersamonguseverythingthatweprayfor：thenameorhonorofGod，God’skingdomandwill，ourdailybread，acheerfulgoodconscience，etc.
Thereforewefinallysumitallupandsay：DearFatherpray，helpthatweberidofallthesecalamities.Butthereisneverthelessalsoincludedwhateverevilmayhappentousunderthedevil’skingdom——
poverty，shame，death，and，inshort，alltheagonizingmiseryandheartacheofwhichthereissuchanunnumberedmultitudeontheearth.
Forsincethedevilisnotonlyaliar，butalsoamurderer，heconstantlyseeksourlife，andwreakshisangerwheneverhecanafflictourbodieswithmisfortuneandharm.Henceitcomesthatheoftenbreaksmen’snecksordrivesthemtoinsanity，drownssome，andincitesmanytocommitsuicide，andtomanyotherterriblecalamities.
Thereforethereisnothingforustodouponearthbuttoprayagainstthisarchenemywithoutceasing.ForunlessGodpreservedus，wewouldnotbesafefromhimevenforanhour.
HenceyouseeagainhowGodwishesustopraytoHimalsoforallthethingswhichaffectourbodilyinterests，sothatweseekandexpecthelpnowhereelseexceptinHim.ButthismatterHehasputlast;forifwearetobepreservedanddeliveredfromallevil，thenameofGodmustfirstbehallowedinus，Hiskingdommustbewithus，andHiswillbedone.AfterthatHewillfinallypreserveusfromsinandshame，and，besides，fromeverythingthatmayhurtorinjureus.
ThusGodhasbrieflyplacedbeforeusallthedistresswhichmayevercomeuponus，sothatwemighthavenoexcusewhateverfornotpraying.
Butalldependsuponthis，thatwelearnalsotosayAmen，thatis，thatwedonotdoubtthatourprayerissurelyheardand[whatwepray]
shallbedone.Forthisisnothingelsethanthewordofundoubtingfaith，whichdoesnotprayataventure，butknowsthatGoddoesnotlietohim，sinceHehaspromisedtograntit.Therefore，wherethereisnosuchfaith，therecannotbetrueprayereither.
Itis，therefore，aperniciousdelusionofthosewhoprayinsuchamannerthattheydarenotfromtheheartsayyeaandpositivelyconcludethatGodhearsthem，butremainindoubtandsay，HowshouldI
besoboldastoboastthatGodhearsmyprayer？ForIambutapoorsinner，etc.
Thereasonforthisis，theyregardnotthepromiseofGod，buttheirownworkandworthiness，wherebytheydespiseGodandreproachHimwithlying，andthereforetheyreceivenothing.AsSt.Jamessays[1，6]：
Butlethimaskinfaith，nothingwavering;forhethatwaverethislikeawaveofthesea，drivenwiththewindandtossed.ForletnotthatmanthinkthatheshallreceiveanythingoftheLord.Behold，suchimportanceGodattachestothefactthatwearesurewedonotprayinvain，andthatwedonotinanywaydespiseourprayer.
PartFourth.
OFBAPTISM.
WehavenowfinishedthethreechiefpartsofthecommonChristiandoctrine.BesidesthesewehaveyettospeakofourtwoSacramentsinstitutedbyChrist，ofwhichalsoeveryChristianoughttohaveatleastanordinary，briefinstruction，becausewithoutthemtherecanbenoChristian;although，alas！hithertonoinstructionconcerningthemhasbeengiven.But，inthefirstplace，wetakeupBaptism，bywhichwearefirstreceivedintotheChristianChurch.However，inorderthatitmaybereadilyunderstoodwewilltreatofitinanorderlymanner，andkeeponlytothatwhichitisnecessaryforustoknow.Forhowitistobemaintainedanddefendedagainsthereticsandsectswewillcommendtothelearned.
Inthefirstplace，wemustaboveallthingsknowwellthewordsuponwhichBaptismisfounded，andtowhicheverythingrefersthatistobesaidonthesubject，namely，wheretheLordChristspeaksinthelastchapterofMatthew，v.19：
Goyethereforeandteachallnations，baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather，andoftheSon，andoftheHolyGhost.
LikewiseinSt.Mark，thelastchapter，v.16：
Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved;buthethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.
Inthesewordsyoumustnote，inthefirstplace，thatherestandGod’scommandmentandinstitution，lestwedoubtthatBaptismisdivine，notdevisednorinventedbymen.ForastrulyasIcansay，NomanhasspuntheTenCommandments，theCreed，andtheLord’sPrayeroutofhishead，buttheyarerevealedandgivenbyGodHimself，soalsoI
canboastthatBaptismisnohumantrifle，butinstitutedbyGodHimself，moreover，thatitismostsolemnlyandstrictlycommandedthatwemustbebaptizedorwecannotbesaved，lestanyoneregarditasatriflingmatter，likeputtingonanewredcoat.ForitisofthegreatestimportancethatweesteemBaptismexcellent，glorious，andexalted，forwhichwecontendandfightchiefly，becausetheworldisnowsofullofsectsclamoringthatBaptismisanexternalthing，andthatexternalthingsareofnobenefit.ButletitbeeversomuchanexternalthingherestandGod’sWordandcommandwhichinstitute，establish，andconfirmBaptism.ButwhatGodinstitutesandcommandscannotbeavain，butmustbeamostpreciousthing，thoughinappearanceitwereoflessvaluethanastraw.IfhithertopeoplecouldconsideritagreatthingwhenthePopewithhislettersandbullsdispensedindulgencesandconfirmedaltarsandchurches，solelybecauseofthelettersandseals，weoughttoesteemBaptismmuchmorehighlyandmoreprecious，becauseGodhascommandedit，and，besides，itisperformedinHisname.Forthesearethewords，Goyebaptize;however，notinyourname，butinthenameofGod.
FortobebaptizedinthenameofGodistobebaptizednotbymen，butbyGodHimself.Thereforealthoughitisperformedbyhumanhands，itisneverthelesstrulyGod’sownwork.Fromthisfacteveryonemayhimselfreadilyinferthatitisafarhigherworkthananyworkperformedbyamanorasaint.ForwhatworkgreaterthantheworkofGodcanwedo？
Butherethedevilisbusytodeludeuswithfalseappearances，andleadusawayfromtheworkofGodtoourownworks.ForthereisamuchmoresplendidappearancewhenaCarthusiandoesmanygreatanddifficultworksandweallthinkmuchmoreofthatwhichwedoandmeritourselves.ButtheScripturesteachthus：Eventhoughwecollectinonemasstheworksofallthemonks，howeversplendidlytheymayshine，theywouldnotbeasnobleandgoodasifGodshouldpickupastraw.Why？Becausethepersonisnoblerandbetter.Here，then，wemustnotestimatethepersonaccordingtotheworks，buttheworksaccordingtotheperson，fromwhomtheymustderivetheirnobility.Butinsanereasonwillnotregardthis，andbecauseBaptismdoesnotshineliketheworkswhichwedo，itistobeesteemedasnothing.
Fromthisnowlearnaproperunderstandingofthesubject，andhowtoanswerthequestionwhatBaptismis，namelythus，thatitisnotmereordinarywater，butwatercomprehendedinGod’sWordandcommand，andsanctifiedthereby，sothatitisnothingelsethanadivinewater;notthatthewaterinitselfisnoblerthanotherwater，butthatGod’sWordandcommandareadded.
Thereforeitispurewickednessandblasphemyofthedevilthatnowournewspirits，tomockatBaptism，omitfromitGod’sWordandinstitution，andlookuponitinnootherwaythanaswaterwhichistakenfromthewell，andthenblatherandsay：Howisahandfulofwatertohelpthesoul？Aye，myfriend，whodoesnotknowthatwateriswateriftearingthingsasunderiswhatweareafter？ButhowdareyouthusinterferewithGod’sorder，andtearawaythemostprecioustreasurewithwhichGodhasconnectedandenclosedit，andwhichHewillnothaveseparated？ForthekernelinthewaterisGod’sWordorcommandandthenameofGodwhichisatreasuregreaterandnoblerthanheavenandearth.
Comprehendthedifference，then，thatBaptismisquiteanotherthingthanallotherwater;notonaccountofthenaturalquality，butbecausesomethingmorenobleishereadded;forGodHimselfstakesHishonorHispowerandmightonit.Thereforeitisnotonlynaturalwater，butadivine，heavenly，holy，andblessedwater，andinwhateverothertermswecanpraiseit，——allonaccountoftheWord，whichisaheavenly，holyWord，thatnoonecansufficientlyextol，forithas，andisabletodo，allthatGodisandcando[sinceithasallthevirtueandpowerofGodcomprisedinit].HencealsoitderivesitsessenceasaSacrament，asSt.Augustinealsotaught：Aocedatverbumadelementumetfitsacramentum.Thatis，whentheWordisjoinedtotheelementornaturalsubstance，itbecomesaSacrament，thatis，aholyanddivinematterandsign.
ThereforewealwaysteachthattheSacramentsandallexternalthingswhichGodordainsandinstitutesshouldnotberegardedaccordingtothecoarse，externalmask，asweregardtheshellofanut，butastheWordofGodisincludedtherein.Forthuswealsospeakoftheparentalestateandofcivilgovernment.Ifweproposetoregardtheminasfarastheyhavenoses，eyes，skin，andhairfleshandbones，theylooklikeTurksandheathen，andsomeonemightstartupandsay：WhyshouldIesteemthemmorethanothers？Butbecausethecommandmentisadded：
Honorthyfatherandthymother，Ibeholdadifferentman，adornedandclothedwiththemajestyandgloryofGod.Thecommandment（Isay）isthechainofgoldabouthisneck，yea，thecrownuponhisheadwhichshowstomehowandwhyonemusthonorthisfleshandblood.
Thus，andmuchmoreeven，youmusthonorBaptismandesteemitgloriousonaccountoftheWord，sinceHeHimselfhashonoreditbothbywordsanddeeds;moreover，confirmeditwithmiraclesfromheaven.
Fordoyouthinkitwasajestthat，whenChristwasbaptized，theheavenswereopenedandtheHolyGhostdescendedvisibly，andeverythingwasdivinegloryandmajesty？
ThereforeIexhortagainthatthesetwothewaterandtheWord，bynomeansbeseparatedfromoneanotherandparted.ForiftheWordisseparatedfromit，thewateristhesameasthatwithwhichtheservantcooks，andmayindeedbecalledabath—keeper’sbaptism.Butwhenitisadded，asGodhasordained，itisaSacrament，andiscalledChrist—baptism.LetthisbethefirstpartregardingtheessenceanddignityoftheholySacrament.
Inthesecondplace，sinceweknownowwhatBaptismis，andhowitistoberegarded，wemustalsolearnwhyandforwhatpurposeitisinstituted;thatis，whatitprofits，givesandworks.AndthisalsowecannotdiscernbetterthanfromthewordsofChristabovequoted：Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.Thereforestateitmostsimplythus，thatthepower，work，profit，fruit，andendofBaptismisthis，namely，tosave.Fornooneisbaptizedinorderthathemaybecomeaprince，but，asthewordsdeclare，thathebesaved.Buttobesaved.weknow.isnothingelsethantobedeliveredfromsin，death，andthedevil，andtoenterintothekingdomofChrist，andtolivewithHimforever.
HereyouseeagainhowhighlyandpreciousweshouldesteemBaptism，becauseinitweobtainsuchanunspeakabletreasure，whichalsoindicatessufficientlythatitcannotbeordinarymerewater.Formerewatercouldnotdosuchathing，buttheWorddoesit，and（assaidabove）thefactthatthenameofGodiscomprehendedtherein.ButwherethenameofGodis，theremustbealsolifeandsalvation，thatitmayindeedbecalledadivine，blessed，fruitful，andgraciouswater;forbytheWordsuchpowerisimpartedtoBaptismthatitisalaverofregeneration，asSt.Paulalsocallsit，Titus3，5.
Butasourwould—bewise，newspiritsassertthatfaithalonesaves，andthatworksandexternalthingsavailnothing，weanswer：Itistrue，indeed，thatnothinginusisofanyavailbutfaith，asweshallhearstillfurther.Buttheseblindguidesareunwillingtoseethis，namely，thatfaithmusthavesomethingwhichitbelieves，thatis，ofwhichittakeshold，anduponwhichitstandsandrests.Thusfaithclingstothewater，andbelievesthatitisBaptism，inwhichthereispuresalvationandlife;notthroughthewater（aswehavesufficientlystated），butthroughthefactthatitisembodiedintheWordandinstitutionofGod，andthenameofGodinheresinit.Now，ifI
believethis，whatelseisitthanbelievinginGodasinHimwhohasgivenandplantedHisWordintothisordinance，andproposestousthisexternalthingwhereinwemayapprehendsuchatreasure？
Now，theyaresomadastoseparatefaithandthattowhichfaithclingsandisboundthoughitbesomethingexternal.Yea，itshallandmustbesomethingexternal，thatitmaybeapprehendedbythesenses，andunderstoodandtherebybebroughtintotheheart，asindeedtheentireGospelisanexternal，verbalpreaching.Inshort，whatGoddoesandworksinusHeproposestoworkthroughsuchexternalordinances.
Wherever，therefore，Hespeaks，yea，inwhicheverdirectionorbywhatevermeansHespeaks，thitherfaithmustlook，andtothatitmusthold.Nowherewehavethewords：Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.TowhatelsedotheyreferthantoBaptism，thatis，tothewatercomprehendedinGod’sordinance？HenceitfollowsthatwhoeverrejectsBaptismrejectstheWordofGod，faith，andChrist，whodirectsusthitherandbindsustoBaptism.
InthethirdplacesincewehavelearnedthegreatbenefitandpowerofBaptism，letusseefurtherwhoisthepersonthatreceiveswhatBaptismgivesandprofits.Thisisagainmostbeautifullyandclearlyexpressedinthewords：Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.Thatis，faithalonemakesthepersonworthytoreceiveprofitablythesaving，divinewater.For，sincetheseblessingsareherepresentedandpromisedinthewordsinandwiththewater，theycannotbereceivedinanyotherwaythanbybelievingthemwiththeheart.Withoutfaithitprofitsnothing，notwithstandingitisinitselfadivinesuperabundanttreasure.Thereforethissingleword（Hethatbelieveth）effectsthismuchthatitexcludesandrepelsallworkswhichwecando，intheopinionthatweobtainandmeritsalvationbythem.Foritisdeterminedthatwhateverisnotfaithavailsnothingnorreceivesanything.
Butiftheysay，astheyareaccustomed：StillBaptismisitselfawork，andyousayworksareofnoavailforsalvation;whatthen，becomesoffaith？Answer：Yes，ourworks，indeed，availnothingforsalvation;Baptism，however，isnotourwork，butGod’s（for，aswasstated，youmustputChrist—baptismfarawayfromabath—keeper’sbaptism）.God’sworks，however，aresavingandnecessaryforsalvation，anddonotexclude，butdemand，faith;forwithoutfaiththeycouldnotbeapprehended.Forbysufferingthewatertobepoureduponyou，youhavenotyetreceivedBaptisminsuchamannerthatitbenefitsyouanything;butitbecomesbeneficialtoyouifyouhaveyourselfbaptizedwiththethoughtthatthisisaccordingtoGod’scommandandordinance，andbesidesinGod’sname，inorderthatyoumayreceiveinthewaterthepromisedsalvation.Now，thisthefistcannotdo，northebody;buttheheartmustbelieveit.
Thusyouseeplainlythatthereisherenoworkdonebyus，butatreasurewhichHegivesus，andwhichfaithapprehends;justastheLordJesusChristuponthecrossisnotawork，butatreasurecomprehendedintheWord，andofferedtousandreceivedbyfaith.
Thereforetheydousviolencebyexclaimingagainstusasthoughwepreachagainstfaith;whilewealoneinsistuponitasbeingofsuchnecessitythatwithoutitnothingcanbereceivednorenjoyed.
ThuswehavethesethreepartswhichitisnecessarytoknowconcerningthisSacramentespeciallythattheordinanceofGodistobeheldinallhonor，whichalonewouldbesufficient，thoughitbeanentirelyexternalthinglikethecommandment，Honorthyfatherandthymother，whichreferstobodilyfleshandblood.Thereinweregardnotthefleshandblood，butthecommandmentofGodinwhichtheyarecomprehended，andonaccountofwhichthefleshiscalledfatherandmother;soalso，thoughwehadnomorethanthesewords，Goyeandbaptize，etc.，itwouldbenecessaryforustoacceptanddoitastheordinanceofGod.NowthereisherenotonlyGod’scommandmentandinjunction，butalsothepromise，onaccountofwhichitisstillfarmoregloriousthanwhateverelseGodhascommandedandordained，andis，inshort，sofullofconsolationandgracethatheavenandearthcannotcomprehendit.Butitrequiresskilltobelievethis，forthetreasureisnotwanting，butthisiswantingthatmenapprehenditandholditfirmly.
ThereforeeveryChristianhasenoughinBaptismtolearnandtopracticeallhislife;forhehasalwaysenoughtodotobelievefirmlywhatitpromisesandbrings：victoryoverdeathandthedevil，forgivenessofsin，thegraceofGod，theentireChrist，andtheHolyGhostwithHisgifts.Inshort，itissotranscendentthatiftimidnaturecouldrealizeit，itmightwelldoubtwhetheritcouldbetrue.
Forconsider，ifthereweresomewhereaphysicianwhounderstoodtheartofsavingmenfromdying，or，eventhoughtheydied，ofrestoringthemspeedilytolife，sothattheywouldthereafterliveforever，howtheworldwouldpourinmoneylikesnowandrain，sothatbecauseofthethrongoftherichnoonecouldfindaccess！ButhereinBaptismthereisbroughtfreetoeveryone’sdoorsuchatreasureandmedicineasutterlydestroysdeathandpreservesallmenalive.
ThuswemustregardBaptismandmakeitprofitabletoourselves，thatwhenoursinsandconscienceoppressus，westrengthenourselvesandtakecomfortandsay：NeverthelessIambaptized;butifIambaptized，itispromisedmethatIshallbesavedandhaveeternallife，bothinsoulandbody.ForthatisthereasonwhythesetwothingsaredoneinBaptismnamely，thatthebody，whichcanapprehendnothingbutthewater，issprinkled，and，inaddition，thewordisspokenforthesoultoapprehend.Now，sinceboth，thewaterandtheWord，areoneBaptism，thereforebodyandsoulmustbesavedandliveforever：thesoulthroughtheWordwhichitbelieves，butthebodybecauseitisunitedwiththesoulandalsoapprehendsBaptismasitisabletoapprehendit.Wehave，therefore，nogreaterjewelinbodyandsoul，forbyitwearemadeholyandaresaved，whichnootherkindoflife，noworkuponearth，canattain.
Letthissufficerespectingthenature，blessing，anduseofBaptism，foritanswersthepresentpurpose.
[PartFifth.]
OFTHESACRAMENTOFTHEALTAR.
InthesamemanneraswehaveheardregardingHolyBaptism，wemustspeakalsoconcerningtheotherSacrament，namely，thesethreepoints：
Whatisit？Whatareitsbenefits？and，Whoistoreceiveit？AndalltheseareestablishedbythewordsbywhichChristhasinstitutedit，andwhicheveryonewhodesirestobeaChristianandgototheSacramentshouldknow.Foritisnotourintentiontoadmittoitandtoadministerittothosewhoknownotwhattheyseek，orwhytheycome.Thewords，however，arethese：
OurLordJesusChrist，thesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayed，tookbread;andwhenHehadgiventhanks，Hebrakeit，andgaveittoHisdisciples，andsaid，Take，eat;thisisMybody，whichisgivenforyou：
thisdoinremembranceofMe.
AfterthesamemanneralsoHetookthecupwhenHehadsupped，gavethanks，andgaveittothem，saying，Drinkyeallofit;thiscupisthenewtestamentinMyblood，whichisshedforyoufortheremissionofsins：thisdoye，asoftasyedrinkit，inremembranceofMe.
HerealsowedonotwishtoenterintocontroversyandcontendwiththetraducersandblasphemersofthisSacrament，buttolearnfirst（aswedidregardingBaptism）whatisofthegreatestimportance，namelythatthechiefpointistheWordandordinanceorcommandofGod.Forithasnotbeeninventednorintroducedbyanyman，butwithoutanyone’scounselanddeliberationithasbeeninstitutedbyChrist.Therefore，justastheTenCommandments，theLord’sPrayer，andtheCreedretaintheirnatureandworthalthoughyouneverkeep，pray，orbelievethem，soalsodoesthisvenerableSacramentremainundisturbed，sothatnothingisdetractedortakenfromit，eventhoughweemployanddispenseitunworthily.WhatdoyouthinkGodcaresaboutwhatwedoorbelieve，sothatonthataccountHeshouldsufferHisordinancetobechanged？Why，inallworldlymatterseverythingremainsasGodhascreatedandorderedit，nomatterhowweemployoruseit.Thismustalwaysbeurged，fortherebythepratingofnearlyallthefanaticalspiritscanberepelled.FortheyregardtheSacraments，asidefromtheWordofGod，assomethingthatwedo.
Now，whatistheSacramentoftheAltar！
Answer：ItisthetruebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist，inandunderthebreadandwinewhichweChristiansarecommandedbytheWordofChristtoeatandtodrink.AndaswehavesaidofBaptismthatitisnotsimplewater，soherealsowesaytheSacramentisbreadandwine，butnotmerebreadandwine，suchasareordinarilyservedatthetable，butbreadandwinecomprehendedin，andconnectedwith，theWordofGod.
ItistheWord（Isay）whichmakesanddistinguishesthisSacrament，sothatitisnotmerebreadandwine，butis，andiscalled，thebodyandbloodofChrist.Foritissaid：Accedatverbumadelementum，etAtsacramentum.IftheWordbejoinedtotheelementitbecomesaSacrament.ThissayingofSt.Augustineissoproperlyandsowellputthathehasscarcelysaidanythingbetter.TheWordmustmakeaSacramentoftheelement，elseitremainsamereelement.Now，itisnotthewordorordinanceofaprinceoremperor，butofthesublimeMajesty，atwhosefeetallcreaturesshouldfall，andaffirmitisasHesays，andacceptitwithallreverencefear，andhumility.
WiththisWordyoucanstrengthenyourconscienceandsay：Ifahundredthousanddevils，togetherwithallfanatics，shouldrushforward，crying，HowcanbreadandwinebethebodyandbloodofChrist？etc.，IknowthatallspiritsandscholarstogetherarenotaswiseasistheDivineMajestyinHislittlefinger.NowherestandstheWordofChrist：Take，eat;thisisMybody;Drinkyeallofit;thisisthenewtestamentinMyblood，etc.Hereweabide，andwouldliketoseethosewhowillconstitutethemselvesHismasters，andmakeitdifferentfromwhatHehasspoken.Itistrue，indeed，thatifyoutakeawaytheWordorregarditwithoutthewords，youhavenothingbutmerebreadandwine.Butifthewordsremainwiththemastheyshallandmust，then，invirtueofthesame，itistrulythebodyandbloodofChrist.ForasthelipsofChristsayandspeak，soitis，asHecanneverlieordeceive.
Henceitiseasytoreplytoallmannerofquestionsaboutwhichmenaretroubledatthepresenttime，suchasthisone：Whetherevenawickedpriestcanministerat，anddispense，theSacrament，andwhateverotherquestionslikethistheremaybe.Forhereweconcludeandsay：EventhoughaknavetakesordistributestheSacrament，hereceivesthetrueSacrament，thatis，thetruebodyandbloodofChrist，justastrulyashewho[receivesor]administersitinthemostworthymanner.Foritisnotfoundedupontheholinessofmen，butupontheWordofGod.Andasnosaintuponearth，yea，noangelinheaven，canmakebreadandwinetobethebodyandbloodofChrist，soalsocannoonechangeoralterit，eventhoughitbemisused.FortheWordbywhichitbecameaSacramentandwasinstituteddoesnotbecomefalsebecauseofthepersonorhisunbelief.ForHedoesnotsay：Ifyoubelieveorareworthy，youreceiveMybodyandblood，but：Take，eatanddrink;thisisBybodyandblood.Likewise：Dothis（namely，whatInowdo，institute，give，andbidyoutake）.Thatisasmuchastosay，Nomatterwhetheryouareworthyorunworthy，youhavehereHisbodyandbloodbyvirtueofthesewordswhichareaddedtothebreadandwine.Onlynoteandrememberthiswell;foruponthesewordsrestallourfoundation，protection，anddefenseagainstallerrorsanddeceptionthathaveevercomeormayyetcome.
ThuswehavebrieflythefirstpointwhichrelatestotheessenceofthisSacrament.NowexaminefurthertheefficacyandbenefitsonaccountofwhichreallytheSacramentwasinstituted;whichisalsoitsmostnecessarypart，thatwemayknowwhatweshouldseekandobtainthere.Nowthisisplainandclearfromthewordsjustmentioned：ThisisMybodyandblood，givenandshedFORYOU，fortheremissionofsins.Brieflythatisasmuchastosay：ForthisreasonwegototheSacramentbecausetherewereceivesuchatreasurebyandinwhichweobtainforgivenessofsins.Whyso？Becausethewordsstandhereandgiveusthis;foronthisaccountHebidsmeeatanddrink，thatitmaybemyownandmaybenefitme，asasurepledgeandtoken，yea，theverysametreasurethatisappointedformeagainstmysins，death，andeverycalamity.
Onthisaccountitisindeedcalledafoodofsouls，whichnourishesandstrengthensthenewman.ForbyBaptismwearefirstbornanew;but（aswesaidbefore）therestillremains，besides，theoldviciousnatureoffleshandbloodinman，andtherearesomanyhindrancesandtemptationsofthedevilandoftheworldthatweoftenbecomewearyandfaint，andsometimesalsostumble.
Thereforeitisgivenforadailypastureandsustenance，thatfaithmayrefreshandstrengthenitselfsoasnottofallbackinsuchabattle，butbecomeeverstrongerandstronger.Forthenewlifemustbesoregulatedthatitcontinuallyincreaseandprogress，butitmustsuffermuchopposition.Forthedevilissuchafuriousenemythatwhenheseesthatweopposehimandattacktheoldman，andthathecannottoppleusoverbyforce，heprowlsandmovesaboutonallsides，triesalldevices，anddoesnotdesistuntilhefinallyweariesus，sothatweeitherrenounceourfaithoryieldhandsandfeetandbecomelistlessorimpatient.Nowtothisendtheconsolationisheregivenwhentheheartfeelsthattheburdenisbecomingtooheavy，thatitmayhereobtainnewpowerandrefreshment.
Buthereourwisespiritscontortthemselveswiththeirgreatartandwisdom，cryingoutandbawling：Howcanbreadandwineforgivesinsorstrengthenfaith？Althoughtheyhearandknowthatwedonotsaythisofbreadandwine，becauseinitselfbreadisbread，butofsuchbreadandwineasisthebodyandbloodofChrist，andhasthewordsattachedtoit.That，wesay，isverilythetreasure，andnothingelse，throughwhichsuchforgivenessisobtained.Nowtheonlywayinwhichitisconveyedandappropriatedtousisinthewords（Givenandshedforyou）.Forhereinyouhavebothtruths，thatitisthebodyandbloodofChrist，andthatitisyoursasatreasureandgift.NowthebodyofChristcanneverbeanunfruitful，vainthing，thateffectsorprofitsnothing.Yethowevergreatisthetreasureinitself，itmustbecomprehendedintheWordandadministeredtous，elseweshouldneverbeabletoknoworseekit.
ThereforealsoitisvaintalkwhentheysaythatthebodyandbloodofChristarenotgivenandshedforusintheLord’sSupper，hencewecouldnothaveforgivenessofsinsintheSacrament.Foralthoughtheworkisaccomplishedandtheforgivenessofsinsacquiredonthecross，yetitcannotcometousinanyotherwaythanthroughtheWord.Forwhatwouldweotherwiseknowaboutit，thatsuchathingwasaccomplishedorwastobegivenusifitwerenotpresentedbypreachingortheoralWord？Whencedotheyknowofit，orhowcantheyapprehendandappropriatetothemselvestheforgiveness，excepttheylayholdofandbelievetheScripturesandtheGospel？ButnowtheentireGospelandthearticleoftheCreed：IbelieveaholyChristianChurch，theforgivenessofsin，etc.，arebytheWordembodiedinthisSacramentandpresentedtous.Why，then，shouldweallowthistreasuretobetornfromtheSacramentwhentheymustconfessthatthesearetheverywordswhichweheareverywhereintheGospel，andtheycannotsaythatthesewordsintheSacramentareofnouse，aslittleastheydaresaythattheentireGospelorWordofGod，apartfromtheSacrament，isofnouse？
ThuswehavetheentireSacrament，bothastowhatitisinitselfandastowhatitbringsandprofits.Nowwemustalsoseewhoisthepersonthatreceivesthispowerandbenefit.Thatisansweredbriefly，aswesaidaboveofBaptismandoftenelsewhere：Whoeverbelievesithaswhatthewordsdeclareandbring.Fortheyarenotspokenorproclaimedtostoneandwood，buttothosewhohearthem，towhomHesays：Takeandeat，etc.AndbecauseHeoffersandpromisesforgivenessofsin，itcannotbereceivedotherwisethanbyfaith.ThisfaithHeHimselfdemandsintheWordwhenHesays：Givenandshedforyou.AsifHesaid：ForthisreasonIgiveit，andbidyoueatanddrink，thatyoumayclaimitasyoursandenjoyit.Whoevernowacceptsthesewords，andbelievesthatwhattheydeclareistrue，hasit.Butwhoeverdoesnotbelieveithasnothing，asheallowsittobeofferedtohiminvain，andrefusestoenjoysuchasavinggood.Thetreasure，indeed，isopenedandplacedateveryone’sdoor，yeauponhistable，butitisnecessarythatyoualsoclaimit，andconfidentlyviewitasthewordssuggesttoyou.
This，now，istheentireChristianpreparationforreceivingthisSacramentworthily.Forsincethistreasureisentirelypresentedinthewords，itcannotbeapprehendedandappropriatedinanyotherwaythanwiththeheart.Forsuchagiftandeternaltreasurecannotbeseizedwiththefist.Fastingandprayer，etc.，mayindeedbeanexternalpreparationanddisciplineforchildren，thatthebodymaykeepandbearitselfmodestlyandreverentlytowardsthebodyandbloodofChrist;yetwhatisgiveninandwithitthebodycannotseizeandappropriate.Butthisisdonebythefaithoftheheart，whichdiscernsthistreasureanddesiresit.ThismaysufficeforwhatisnecessaryasageneralinstructionrespectingthisSacrament;forwhatisfurthertobesaidofitbelongstoanothertime.
ConclusionInconclusion，sincewehavenowthetrueunderstandinganddoctrineoftheSacrament，thereisindeedneedofsomeadmonitionandexhortation，thatmenmaynotletsogreatatreasurewhichisdailyadministeredanddistributedamongChristianspassbyunheeded，thatis，thatthosewhowouldbeChristiansmakereadytoreceivethisvenerableSacramentoften.Forweseethatmenseemwearyandlazywithrespecttoit;andthereisagreatmultitudeofsuchasheartheGospel，and，becausethenonsenseofthePopehasbeenabolished，andwearefreedfromhislawsandcoercion，goone，two，threeyears，orevenlongerwithouttheSacrament，asthoughtheyweresuchstrongChristiansthattheyhavenoneedofit;andsomeallowthemselvestobepreventedanddeterredbythepretensethatwehavetaughtthatnooneshouldapproachitexceptthosewhofeelhungerandthirst，whichurgethemtoit.Somepretendthatitisamatteroflibertyandnotnecessary，andthatitissufficienttobelievewithoutit;andthusforthemostparttheygosofarthattheybecomequitebrutish，andfinallydespiseboththeSacramentandtheWordofGod.
Now，itistrue，aswehavesaid，thatnooneshouldbyanymeansbecoercedorcompelled，lestweinstituteanewmurderingofsouls.
Nevertheless，itmustbeknownthatsuchpeopleasdeprivethemselvesof，andwithdrawfrom，theSacramentsolongatimearenottobeconsideredChristians.ForChristhasnotinstitutedittobetreatedasashow，buthascommandedHisChristianstoeatanddrinkit，andtherebyrememberHim.
And，indeed，thosewhoaretrueChristiansandesteemtheSacramentpreciousandholywillurgeandimpelthemselvesuntoit.Yetthatthesimple—mindedandtheweakwhoalsowouldliketobeChristiansbethemoreincitedtoconsiderthecauseandneedwhichoughttoimpelthem，wewilltreatsomewhatofthispoint.Forasinothermatterspertainingtofaith，love，andpatience，itisnotenoughtoteachandinstructonly，butthereisneedalsoofdailyexhortation，soherealsothereisneedofcontinuingtopreachthatmenmaynotbecomewearyanddisgusted，sinceweknowandfeelhowthedevilalwaysopposesthisandeveryChristianexercise，anddrivesanddeterstherefromasmuchashecan.
Andwehave，inthefirstplace，thecleartextintheverywordsofChrist：DothisinremembranceofMe.ThesearebiddingandcommandingwordsbywhichallwhowouldbeChristiansareenjoinedtopartakeofthisSacrament.Therefore，whoeverwouldbeadiscipleofChrist，withwhomHeherespeaks，mustalsoconsiderandobservethis，notfromcompulsion，asbeingforcedbymen，butinobediencetotheLordJesusChrist，andtopleaseHim.However，ifyousay：Butthewordsareadded，Asoftasyedoit;thereHecompelsnoone，butleavesittoourfreechoice，answer：Thatistrue，yetitisnotwrittenthatweshouldneverdoso.Yea，justbecauseHespeaksthewords，Asoftasyedoit，itisneverthelessimpliedthatweshoulddoitoften;anditisaddedforthereasonthatHewishestohavetheSacramentfree，notlimitedtospecialtimes，likethePassoveroftheJews，whichtheywereobligedtoeatonlyonceayear，andthatjustuponthefourteenthdayofthefirstfullmoonintheevening，andwhichtheymustnotvaryaday.AsifHewouldsaybythesewords：IinstituteaPassoverorSupperforyouwhichyoushallenjoynotonlyonceayear，justuponthisevening，butoften，whenandwhereyouwill，accordingtoeveryone’sopportunityandnecessity，boundtonoplaceorappointedtime;
althoughthePopeafterwardspervertedit，andagainmadeaJewishfeastofit.
Thus，youperceive，itisnotleftfreeinthesensethatwemaydespiseit.ForthatIcalldespisingitifoneallowsolongatimetoelapseandwithnothingtohinderhimyetneverfeelsadesireforit.
Ifyouwishsuchliberty，youmayjustaswellhavethelibertytobenoChristian，andneitherhavetobelievenorpray;fortheoneisjustasmuchthecommandofChristastheother.ButifyouwishtobeaChristian，youmustfromtimetotimerendersatisfactionandobediencetothiscommandment.Forthiscommandmentoughtevertomoveyoutoexamineyourselfandtothink：See，whatsortofaChristianIam！IfI
wereone，IwouldcertainlyhavesomelittlelongingforthatwhichmyLordhascommanded[me]todo.
And，indeed，sinceweactsuchstrangerstoit，itiseasilyseenwhatsortofChristianswewereunderthePapacy，namely，thatwewentfrommerecompulsionandfearofhumancommandments，withoutinclinationandlove，andneverregardedthecommandmentofChrist.Butweneitherforcenorcompelanyone;norneedanyonedoittoserveorpleaseus.
Butthisshouldinduceandconstrainyoubyitself，thatHedesiresitandthatitispleasingtoHim.Youmustnotsuffermentocoerceyouuntofaithoranygoodwork.Wearedoingnomorethantosayandexhortyouastowhatyououghttodo，notforoursake，butforyourownsake.Heinvitesandalluresyou;ifyoudespiseit，youmustanswerforityourself.
Now，thisistobethefirstpoint，especiallyforthosewhoarecoldandindifferent，thattheymayreflectuponandrousethemselves.Forthisiscertainlytrue，asIhavefoundinmyownexperience，andaseveryonewillfindinhisowncase，thatifapersonthuswithdrawfromthisSacrament，hewilldailybecomemoreandmorecallousandcold，andwillatlastdisregarditaltogether.Toavoidthis，wemust，indeed，examineheartandconscience，andactlikeapersonwhodesirestoberightwithGod.Now，themorethisisdone，themorewilltheheartbewarmedandenkindled，thatitmaynotbecomeentirelycold.
Butifyousay：HowifIfeelthatIamnotprepared？Answer：Thatisalsomyscruple，especiallyfromtheoldwayunderthePope，inwhichapersontorturedhimselftobesoperfectlypurethatGodcouldnotfindtheleastblemishinus.Onthisaccountwebecamesotimidthateveryonewasinstantlythrownintoconsternationandsaidtohimself：Alas！
youareunworthy！Forthennatureandreasonbegintoreckonourunworthinessincomparisonwiththegreatandpreciousgood;andthenitappearslikeadarklanternincontrastwiththebrightsun，orasfilthincomparisonwithpreciousstones.Becausenatureandreasonseethis，theyrefusetoapproachandtarryuntiltheyarepreparedsolongthatoneweektrailsanother，andonehalfyeartheother.Butifyouaretoregardhowgoodandpureyouare，andlabortohavenocompunctions，youmustneverapproach.
Wemust，therefore，makeadistinctionhereamongmen.Forthosewhoarewantonanddissolutemustbetoldtostayaway;fortheyarenotpreparedtoreceiveforgivenessofsinsincetheydonotdesireitanddonotwishtobegodly.Buttheothers，whoarenotsuchcallousandwickedpeople，anddesiretobegodly，mustnotabsentthemselves，eventhoughotherwisetheybefeebleandfullofinfirmities，asSt.Hilaryalsohassaid：IfanyonehavenotcommittedsinforwhichhecanrightlybeputoutofthecongregationandesteemedasnoChristian，heoughtnotstayawayfromtheSacrament，lesthemaydeprivehimselfoflife.Fornoonewillmakesuchprogressthathewillnotretainmanydailyinfirmitiesinfleshandblood.
ThereforesuchpeoplemustlearnthatitisthehighestarttoknowthatourSacramentdoesnotdependuponourworthiness.Forwearenotbaptizedbecauseweareworthyandholy，nordowegotoconfessionbecausewearepureandwithoutsin，butthecontrarybecausewearepoormiserablemenandjustbecauseweareunworthy;unlessitbesomeonewhodesiresnograceandabsolutionnorintendstoreform.
Butwhoeverwouldgladlyobtaingraceandconsolationshouldimpelhimself，andallownoonetofrightenhimaway，butsay：I，indeed，wouldliketobeworthy，butIcome，notuponanyworthiness，butuponThyWord，becauseThouhastcommandedit，asonewhowouldgladlybeThydisciple，nomatterwhatbecomesofmyworthiness.Butthisisdifficult;forwealwayshavethisobstacleandhindrancetoencounter，thatwelookmoreuponourselvesthanupontheWordandlipsofChrist.
Fornaturedesiressotoactthatitcanstandandrestfirmlyonitself，otherwiseitrefusestomaketheapproach.Letthissufficeconcerningthefirstpoint.
Inthesecondplace，thereisbesidesthiscommandalsoapromise，asweheardabove，whichoughtmoststronglytoinciteandencourageus.
Forherestandthekindandpreciouswords：ThisisMybody，givenforyou.ThisisMyblood，shedforyou，fortheremissionofsins.Thesewords，Ihavesaid，arenotpreachedtowoodandstone，buttomeandyou;elseHemightjustaswellbesilentandnotinstituteaSacrament.Thereforeconsider，andputyourselfintothisYOU，thatHemaynotspeaktoyouinvain.
ForhereHeofferstoustheentiretreasurewhichHehasbroughtforusfromheaven，andtowhichHeinvitesusalsoinotherplaceswiththegreatestkindness，aswhenHesaysinSt.Matthew11，28：ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavyladen，andIwillgiveyourest.
NowitissurelyasinandashamethatHesocordiallyandfaithfullysummonsandexhortsustoourhighestandgreatestgood，andweactsodistantlywithregardtoit，andpermitsolongatimetopass[withoutpartakingoftheSacrament]thatwegrowquitecoldandhardened，sothatwehavenoinclinationorloveforit.WemustneverregardtheSacramentassomethinginjuriousfromwhichwehadbetterfleebutasapurewholesome，comfortingremedyimpartingsalvationandcomfort，whichwillcureyouandgiveyoulifebothinsoulandbody.Forwherethesoulhasrecovered，thebodyalsoisrelieved.Why，then，isitthatweactasifitwereapoison，theeatingofwhichwouldbringdeath？
Tobesure，itistruethatthosewhodespiseitandliveinanunchristianmannerreceiveittotheirhurtanddamnation;fornothingshallbegoodorwholesometothem，justaswithasickpersonwhofromcapriceeatsanddrinkswhatisforbiddenhimbythephysician.Butthosewhoaresensibleoftheirweakness，desiretoberidofitandlongforhelp，shouldregardanduseitonlyasapreciousantidoteagainstthepoisonwhichtheyhaveinthem.ForhereintheSacramentyouaretoreceivefromthelipsofChristforgivenessofsinwhichcontainsandbringswithitthegraceofGodandtheSpiritwithallHisgifts，protection，shelter，andpoweragainstdeathandthedevilandallmisfortune.
Thusyouhave，onthepartofGod，boththecommandandthepromiseoftheLordJesusChrist.Besidesthis，onyourpart，yourowndistresswhichisaboutyourneck，andbecauseofwhichthiscommand，invitationandpromisearegiven，oughttoimpelyou.ForHeHimselfsays：Theythatbewholeneednotaphysician，buttheythatbesick;thatis，thosewhoarewearyandheavy—ladenwiththeirsins，withthefearofdeathtemptationsofthefleshandofthedevil.Iftherefore，youareheavy—ladenandfeelyourweakness，thengojoyfullytothisSacramentandobtainrefreshment，consolation，andstrength.Forifyouwouldwaituntilyouareridofsuchburdens，thatyoumightcometotheSacramentpureandworthy，youmustforeverstayaway.ForinthatcaseHepronouncessentenceandsays：Ifyouarepureandgodly，youhavenoneedofMe，andI，inturn，noneofthee.Thereforethosealonearecalledunworthywhoneitherfeeltheirinfirmitiesnorwishtobeconsideredsinners.
Butifyousay：What，then，shallIdoifIcannotfeelsuchdistressorexperiencehungerandthirstfortheSacrament？Answer：ForthosewhoaresomindedthattheydonotrealizetheirconditionIknownobettercounselthanthattheyputtheirhandintotheirbosomtoascertainwhethertheyalsohavefleshandblood.Andifyoufindthattobethecase，thengo，foryourgood，toSt.Paul’sEpistletotheGalatians，andhearwhatsortofafruityourfleshis：Nowtheworksoftheflesh（hesays[chap.5，19ff.]）aremanifest，whicharethese：
Adulteryfornicationuncleanness，lasciviousness，idolatry，witchcraft，hatred，variance，emulations，wrath，strife，seditions，heresies，envyings，murders，drunkenness，revelings，andsuchlike.
Therefore，ifyoucannotfeelit，atleastbelievetheScriptures，theywillnotlietoyouandtheyknowyourfleshbetterthanyouyourself.
Yea，St.PaulfurtherconcludesinRom.7，18：lknowthatinme，thatis，inmyflesh，dwellethnogoodthing.IfSt.Paulmayspeakthusofhisflesh，wedonotproposetobebetternormoreholy.Butthatwedonotfeelitissomuchtheworse;foritisasignthatthereisaleprousfleshwhichfeelsnothing，andyet[theleprosy]ragesandkeepsspreading.Yetaswehavesaid，ifyouarequitedeadtoallsensibility，stillbelievetheScriptures，whichpronouncesentenceuponyou.And，inshort，thelessyoufeelyoursinsandinfirmities，themorereasonhaveyoutogototheSacramenttoseekhelpandaremedy.
Inthesecondplace，lookaboutyouandseewhetheryouarealsointheworld，orifyoudonotknowit，askyourneighborsaboutit.Ifyouareintheworld，donotthinkthattherewillbelackofsinsandmisery.ForonlybegintoactasthoughyouwouldbegodlyandadheretotheGospel，andseewhethernoonewillbecomeyourenemy，and，moreover，doyouharm，wrong，andviolence，andlikewisegiveyoucauseforsinandvice.Ifyouhavenotexperiencedit，thenlettheScripturestellyou，whicheverywheregivethispraiseandtestimonytotheworld.
Besidesthis，youwillalsohavethedevilaboutyou，whomyouwillnotentirelytreadunderfoot，becauseourLordChristHimselfcouldnotentirelyavoidhim.Now，whatisthedevil？NothingelsethanwhattheScripturescallhim，aliarandmurderer.Aliar，toleadtheheartastrayfromtheWordofGod，andtoblindit，thatyoucannotfeelyourdistressorcometoChrist.Amurderer，whocannotbeartoseeyouliveonesinglehour.Ifyoucouldseehowmanyknives，darts，andarrowsareeverymomentaimedatyou，youwouldbegladtocometotheSacramentasoftenaspossible.Butthereisnoreasonwhywewalksosecurelyandheedlessly，exceptthatweneitherthinknorbelievethatweareintheflesh，andinthiswickedworldorinthekingdomofthedevil.
Therefore，trythisandpracticeitwell，anddobutexamineyourself，orlookaboutyoualittle，andonlykeeptotheScriptures.Ifeventhenyoustillfeelnothing，youhavesomuchthemoremiserytolamentbothtoGodandtoyourbrother.Thentakeadviceandhaveothersprayforyou，anddonotdesistuntilthestoneberemovedfromyourheart.
Then，indeed，thedistresswillnotfailtobecomemanifest，andyouwillfindthatyouhavesunktwiceasdeepasanyotherpoorsinner，andaremuchmoreinneedoftheSacramentagainstthemiserywhichunfortunatelyyoudonotsee，sothat，withthegraceofGod，youmayfeelitmoreandbecomethemorehungryfortheSacrament，especiallysincethedevilplieshisforceagainstyou，andliesinwaitforyouwithoutceasing，toseizeanddestroyyou，soulandbody，sothatyouarenotsafefromhimonehour.Howsooncanhehavebroughtyousuddenlyintomiseryanddistresswhenyouleastexpectit！
Letthis，then，besaidforexhortation，notonlyforthoseofuswhoareoldandgrown，butalsofortheyoungpeople，whooughttobebroughtupintheChristiandoctrineandunderstanding.FortherebytheTenCommandments，theCreed，andtheLord’sPrayermightbethemoreeasilyinculcatedtoouryouth，sothattheywouldreceivethemwithpleasureandearnestness，andthuswouldpracticethemfromtheiryouthandaccustomthemselvestothem.Fortheoldarenowwell—nighdonefor，sothattheseandotherthingscannotbeattained，unlesswetrainthepeoplewhoaretocomeafterusandsucceedusinourofficeandwork，inorderthattheyalsomaybringuptheirchildrensuccessfullythattheWordofGodandtheChristianChurchmaybepreserved.
ThereforeleteveryfatherofafamilyknowthatitishisdutybytheinjunctionandcommandofGod，toteachthesethingstohischildren，orhavethemlearnwhattheyoughttoknow.ForsincetheyarebaptizedandreceivedintotheChristianChurch，theyshouldalsoenjoythiscommunionoftheSacrament，inorderthattheymayserveusandbeusefultous;fortheymustallindeedhelpustobelieve，love，pray，andfightagainstthedevil.