Webster University - Lauretanum Yearbook (Webster Groves, MO)

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The Fifth Petition And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. What does this mean? Answer: We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, nor on their account deny our prayer; for we are worthy of none of the things for which we pray, neither have we deserved them; but that He would grant them all to us by grace; for we daily sin much and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. So will we also heartily forgive, and readily do good to, those who sin against us. The Sixth Petition And lead us not into temptation. What does this mean? Answer: God indeed tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our flesh may not deceive us nor seduce us into misbelief, despair, and other great shame and Vice; and though we be assailed by them, that still we may finally overcome and obtain the victory. The Seventh Petition But deliver us from evil. What does this mean? Answer: We pray in this petition, as the sum of all, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil of body and soul, property and honor, and finally, when our last hour has come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this vale of tears to Himself in heaven. I101 The Conclusion For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. What is meant by the word Amen ? Answer: That I should be certain that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us so to pray, and has promised to hear us. Amen, Amen, that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so. THE SACRAMENT 0F HOLY BAPTISM As the Head of the Family Should Teach It in a Simple Way to His Household I. THE NATURE OF BAPTISM What is Baptism? Answer: Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God,s command and con- nected with Godls word. Which is that word of God? Answer: Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye and teach all nations, haptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. II. THE BLESSING 0F BAPTISIVI What does Baptism give or profit? Answer: It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Which are such words and promises of God? Answer: Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall he saved; but he that helieveth not shall be damned. 'llll

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THE LORDlS PRAYER As the Head of the Family Should Teach It in a Simple Way to His Household The Introduction Our Father who art in heaven. What does this mean? Answer: God would by these words tenderly invite us to believe that He is out true Father, and that we are His true children, so that we may with all boldness and confidence ask Him as dear children ask their dear father. The First Petition Hallowed be Thy name. What does this mean? Answer: Godls name is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may be holy among us also. How is this done? Answer: When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead a holy life according to it. This grant us, dear Father in heaven. But he that teaches and lives otherwise than Godls Word teaches, profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, Heavenly Father. The Second Petition Thy kingdom come. What does this mean? Answer: The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also. U31 How is this done? Answer: When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life, here in time and here- after in eternity. The Third Petition Thy will be done on earth a; it is in heaven. What does this mean? Answer: The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is this done? Answer: When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God,s name not let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and preserves us steadfast in His Word and faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will. The Fourth Petition Give us this day our daily bread. What does this mean? Answer: God gives daily bread indeed without our prayer, also to all the wicked, but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to know it and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What is meant by daily bread? Answer: Everything that belongs to the support and wants of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, held, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faith- ful neighbors, and the like. l91

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III. THE POWER OF BAPTISM How can water do such great things? Answer: It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St.Paul says, Titus, chapter third: iAccording to His mercy He saved usJ By the washing of regener- ation and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on u: abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should he made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying. IV. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTIZING WITH WATER What does such baptizing with water signify? Answer: It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Where is this written? Answer: St.PauI says, Romans, chapter sixth: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even :0 we also should walk in newness of life. THE OFFICE OF THE KEYS AND CONFESSION As the Head of the Family Should Teach It in a Simple Way to His Household What is the Office of the Keys? Answer: It is the peculiar church power which Christ has given to His church on earth, to forgive the sins of penitent sinners, but to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent. Where is this written? Answer: Thus writes the holy Evangelist John, chapter twentieth: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoe'yer sins ye retain, they are retained. What do you believe according to these words? Answer: I believe that, when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, especially when they exclude manifest and impenitent sinners from the Christian congregation, and, again, when they absolve those who repent of their sins and are willing to amend, this is as valid and certain, in heaven also, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself. What is Confession? Answer: Confession embraces two parts: One is that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolu- tion, or forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, and in no wise doubt, but firmly believe, that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven. I131