Here is compared the 1563 Palatinate Church Order with the 1798 Germantown Church Order. Only those sections that parallel one another are presented. This comparison illustrates the extent to which the 1798 is derived from the 1563. Items that the 1798 did not take from the 1563 are the excommunication, readmission, and installation services.
Both were translated into English by Gemini 2.5 Pro. Slight differences in language may therefore not be a deliberate change by the 1798 editors in German. The 1798 contains more subheadings than the 1563. These have been added to the 1563 for the sake of comparison. For a professional translation of the Lord's Supper service, read Reformation Worship.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Amen. [Ps. 124:8]
Since our Lord Jesus Christ says that we cannot otherwise enter the kingdom of God unless we are born again [John 3:3, 5], He gives us a certain indication that our nature is thoroughly corrupt and accursed, and therefore admonishes us to humble ourselves before God and to be displeased with ourselves, and thus prepares us to desire His grace, through which all the wickedness and corruption of our old nature may be blotted out. For we are not capable of God's grace unless all trust in our own ability, wisdom, and righteousness is first taken from our hearts, yes, until we condemn everything that is in us, completely and utterly.
But after Christ has thus set our misery before our eyes, He comforts us all the more through His mercy, in that He promises us and our children that He will wash us from all our sins, that is, not count them against us on account of His shed blood, and also renew our nature into His image through His Holy Spirit. And to confirm this promise to our weak faith and to seal it on our own bodies, He has commanded that we be baptized in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, first, since He wills that we be baptized with water in the name of the Father, He testifies to us as with a visible oath all our life long that God will be the Father of us and our seed, will provide for us in all needs of body and soul, and will turn all evil to our good, since no creatures, because of the covenant we have with God, can harm us, but must serve our salvation.
Second, in that we are baptized in the name of the Son, He promises us that everything the Son of God has done and suffered is our own, so that He is the savior of us and our children, has anointed us with His wholesome grace, has redeemed us from all impurity and sin through His holy conception, birth, suffering, and death, has nailed all our curse and malediction to the cross, has washed it away with His blood, and has buried it with Himself, and has thus delivered us from the hellish pain, so that He might clothe us with His righteousness through His resurrection and ascension, and now represents us before the heavenly Father, and at the last judgment will present us glorious and without blemish before the face of the Father.
Third, when we are baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit, it is promised to us that the Holy Spirit will be our teacher and comforter in eternity, will make us true members of the body of Jesus Christ, so that we may have fellowship in Christ and all His goods, together with all the members of the Christian church, so that our sins will no more be remembered in eternity, and also the sin and weakness which still remain in us will be more and more put to death, and a new life will be begun in us and finally, in the blessed resurrection (when this our flesh will be conformed to the glorious body of Christ), will be fully revealed in us.
But since in every covenant both parties pledge themselves, so we also promise God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that through His grace we will acknowledge and confess Him alone as our one, true, and living God, will call upon Him alone in all need, and live as obedient children, as this new birth requires. This consists in these two parts: First, that out of true repentance and sorrow for our sins we renounce all our reason and lusts and submit to the will of God and hate and flee all sin from our hearts. Thereafter also, that we begin to have desire and love to live according to the word of God in all holiness and righteousness.
And when we sometimes fall into sin out of weakness, we shall not remain lying in it nor despair, nor seek forgiveness of sins through any other means than through Christ, but shall always be reminded by our baptism to turn away from it and to trust firmly that it will never be remembered before God for the sake of the shed blood of Christ, since holy baptism is an undoubted testimony to us that we have an eternal covenant with God and are baptized in the living fountain of the eternal mercy of the Father and of the most holy suffering and death of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Although our little children do not yet understand these stated causes and mysteries, much less can they confess them, they shall nevertheless by no means be excluded from holy baptism, since they are called by God to His covenant, which God made with Abraham, the father of all believers, and his seed, and thus also with us and our children: "I will," says the Lord, "establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto you and to your seed after you" [Gen. 17:7].
Now our Lord Jesus Christ has come into the world, not to diminish the grace of His heavenly Father, but rather to spread the covenant of grace, which was previously enclosed in the people of Israel, throughout the whole world, and instead of circumcision has ordained holy baptism as the sign and seal of this covenant for us and our children. The holy apostle Peter expressly teaches this confirmation of the covenant in the Acts of the Apostles in the 2nd chapter [38-39], where he says: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
To this also the Lord Christ himself calls the infant children to Him and speaks to them in words and deeds of the kingdom of heaven, as is written in Mark chapter 10 [13-16]: "At that time they brought the little children to Jesus, that He should touch them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them."
From these words it is clear that our children are also in the kingdom and covenant of God and therefore should also receive baptism as the seal of the covenant, even if they do not yet understand the mystery of baptism for their age, just as the little children were blessed by Jesus Christ Himself with words and deeds and were circumcised in the old church on the eighth day, although they did not yet understand the blessing of the Lord, nor the mystery of the circumcision.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Amen.
Because our Lord Jesus Christ says that we cannot enter the kingdom of God unless we are born again, He gives us a certain indication that our nature is thoroughly corrupt and accursed. Therefore, He exhorts us to humble ourselves before God, to be displeased with ourselves, and thus prepares us to desire His grace, through which all the wickedness and condemnation of our old nature may be blotted out. For we are not capable of God's grace until all trust in our own ability, wisdom, and righteousness is taken from our hearts, yea, even until we utterly condemn all that is within us.
After Christ has thus set our misery before our eyes, He comforts us all the more through His mercy, promising us and our children that He will wash us from all our sins, that is, not impute them to us on account of His shed blood, and also renew our nature into His glorious image through His Holy Spirit. And to confirm this promise to our weak faith and to seal it upon our bodies, He has commanded that we be baptized in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, first, when He wills that we be baptized with water in the name of the Father, He testifies to us as with a sure oath all our lives long that God will be our and our seed's Father, will provide us with all necessities of body and soul, and turn all evil to our good. For because of the covenant which we have with God, no creatures can harm us, but must serve for our salvation.
Second, in that we are baptized in the name of the Son, He promises us that all that the Son of God has done and suffered is our own. Thus, He is our and our children's Savior, anointing us with with His saving grace, and through His holy conception, birth, suffering, and death has redeemed us from all impurity and sin, and nailed all our curse and condemnation to the cross, washed it away with His blood, and buried it with Him, and thus delivered us from the pains of hell, that He might clothe us with His righteousness through His resurrection and ascension, and now represent us before the heavenly Father, and at the last judgment present us holy and without blemish before the face of the Father.
Third, when we are baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit, we are promised that the Holy Spirit will be our and our children's teacher and comforter in eternity, and make us true members of the body of Jesus Christ, so that we may have fellowship with Christ and in all His gifts, together with all the members of the Christian church. Thus, our sins will be remembered no more in eternity, and the sin and weakness that still remain in us will be more and more put to death, and a new life begun in us, and finally, in the blessed resurrection (when this our flesh will be conformed to the glorious body of Christ), will be perfectly revealed in us.
But since in every covenant both parties are obligated, so we also promise God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that by His grace we will acknowledge and confess Him alone as our only, true, and living God, call upon Him alone in all need, and live as obedient children, as this new birth requires, which consists in these two things: First, that out of true repentance and sorrow for our sins, we deny all our reason and desires, and submit to the will of God, and hate and flee all sin from the heart; Secondly, that we begin to have desire and love for the Word of God, to live in all holiness and righteousness.
And if we sometimes fall into sin out of weakness, we should not remain therein, nor despair, nor seek forgiveness of sins by any other means than through Christ, but always be reminded by our baptism to abstain from it, and to trust firmly that it will never be remembered before God for the sake of the shedding of Christ's blood. For holy baptism is an undoubted testimony to us that we have an eternal covenant with God, and are baptized in the living fountain of the eternal mercy of the Father and of the most holy passion and death of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Although our little children do not yet understand these stated causes and mysteries, much less can they confess them, yet they should by no means be excluded from holy baptism, because they are called by God to His covenant, which God made with Abraham, the father of all believers, and his seed, and thus also with us and our children. I will, says the Lord, establish my covenant between me and you, and your seed after you, in their generations, that it may be an everlasting covenant, so that I may be your God, and of your seed after you.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ has come into the world, not to diminish the grace of His heavenly Father, but rather to extend the covenant of grace, which was previously confined to the people of Israel, throughout the whole world; and instead of circumcision, He has ordained for us and our children holy baptism as a sign and seal of this covenant, as the holy apostle Peter expressly teaches this confirmation of the covenant in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, where he says: Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For this promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, whom God our Lord will call. To this also the Lord Christ Himself bids the little children to be brought to Him, and assigns them the kingdom of heaven with words and deeds, as is written in Mark, chapter 10: At that time they brought the little children to Jesus, that He might touch them: but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was displeased, and said to them: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will not enter into it; and He took them in His arms, and laid His hands on them, and blessed them. From these words it is clear that our children also are in the kingdom and in the covenant of God, and therefore should also receive baptism as the seal of the covenant, although, on account of their age, they do not yet understand the mystery of baptism: just as the little children were blessed by Jesus Christ Himself with words and deeds, and in the old church were circumcised on the eighth day, although they did not yet understand the blessing of the Lord, nor the mystery of circumcision.
Therefore, let us thus call upon God.
Almighty, eternal God, who through the flood, according to Your severe judgment, punished the unbelieving and unrepentant world and, out of Your great mercy, saved the believer Noah, the eighth person; and who drowned the hardened Pharaoh with all his people in the Red Sea, and led Your people Israel through it on dry land, by which this baptism was signified: We pray to You through Your bottomless mercy, that You would graciously look upon this Your child [or these Your children] and incorporate it into Your Son Jesus Christ through Your Holy Spirit, that it may be buried with Him in His death, and also rise with Him in a new life, in which it may joyfully bear its cross daily after Him, in adherence with true faith, firm hope, and ardent love, that it may, for Your sake, leave this life, which is nothing other than a death, with comfort, and on the last day appear unterrified before the judgment seat of Christ, Your Son, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, lives and reigns in eternity, Amen.
Our Father etc. [Matt. 6:9-13].
Therefore let us call upon God thus:
Almighty, eternal God! who through the flood, according to your severe judgment, punished the unbelieving and unrepentant world, and saved the believing Noah and his family of eight out of your great mercy, and drowned the hardened Pharaoh with all his people in the Red Sea, but led your people Israel through on dry ground, by which this baptism was signified: We beseech you through your boundless mercy, that you would graciously look upon this your child [or, these your children], and through your Holy Spirit incorporate it [them] into your Son Jesus Christ, that it [they] may be buried with Him in His death, and also rise with Him in a new life, that it [they] bearing its [their] cross daily following Him, may joyfully bear it, cleave to Him with true faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love, that it [they] may for your sake confidently forsake this life, which is nothing but a death, and at the last day appear without fear before the judgment seat of Christ your Son. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit, one only God, lives and reigns in eternity. Amen.
Acknowledge also with me the articles of our old, common, undoubted Christian faith, upon which this child is baptized.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; a holy, universal Christian church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the flesh; and the life everlasting, Amen.
Confess also with me the articles of our ancient, general, undoubted Christian faith, into which this child is baptized.
I believe in God the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, descended into hell, on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the almighty Father, from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, a holy, general Christian church, the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the flesh, and an eternal life. Amen.
Do you then desire, out of true faith in the promise of God in Jesus Christ, which is given to us and to our children, that He will be the God not only of us, but also of our seed unto a thousand generations, that this child be baptized thereon and receive the seal of the sonship of God?
Answer: Yes.
It is not necessary here to unwrap the child, but it is enough that its head is uncovered. And then the minister shall instruct them to name the child, and thereafter he shall pour water on it and speak:
N., I baptize you in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Do you then, out of true faith in the promise of God in Jesus Christ, which is given to us and our children, that He will be not only our, but also our seed's God, to the thousandth generation, desire that this child be baptized upon it, and receive the seal of the knowledge of God?
Answer: Yes.
Here it is unnecessary to unwrap the child, but it is enough that its head be uncovered. And then the minister shall say that they should name the child, and afterwards he shall pour water on it, and say:
N., I baptize you in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us thank God, the Lord.
Almighty, merciful God and Father, we give you praise and thanks that you have forgiven us and our children all our sins through the blood of Your dear Son Jesus Christ and have adopted us as members of Your only begotten Son and thus as Your children, and have sealed and confirmed all this to us with holy baptism. We pray to you also through the same Your dear Son, that you would always govern this child [or these children] with Your Holy Spirit, that it may be raised in a Christian and godly manner and may grow and increase in the Lord Jesus Christ, that it may acknowledge Your fatherly goodness and mercy, which you have shown to it and to us all, and in all righteousness under our only teacher, king, and high priest Christ Jesus may live and chivalrously fight and triumph against sin, the devil, and his whole kingdom, to praise and glorify you and your Son Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Spirit, the one and true God, eternally, Amen.
Let us thank the Lord God.
Almighty, merciful God and Father, we give you praise and thanks that you have forgiven us and our children all our sins through the blood of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and have accepted us through your Holy Spirit as members of your only-begotten Son, and thus as your children, and have sealed and confirmed all this to us with holy baptism. We also pray you through the same your dear Son, that you would always govern this child [or, these children] with your Holy Spirit, that it may be brought up in a Christian and godly manner, and grow and increase in the Lord Jesus Christ, that it may confess the fatherly goodness and mercy which you have shown to it and to us all, and live in all righteousness under our only teacher, king, and high priest Christ Jesus, and fight and conquer knightly against sin, the devil, and his whole kingdom, to praise and glorify you and your Son Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Spirit, the only and true God, eternally. Amen.
You beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, since you have accepted this child, remember that our God is a true God and wills that we serve Him in truth. And therefore you, friends and relatives, but especially you, father and godparents, should apply all diligence, that this child may be raised in the right knowledge and fear of God according to the articles of the Christian faith and the teaching which is revealed by God from heaven and is contained in the Old and New Testament, and be brought up for the Lord Christ. When it comes to understanding, it should be admonished that through receiving this divine sign of the covenant and seal of holy baptism, it has publicly before the face of God, His holy angels, and the Christian community renounced the devil and the world with all their works and lusts and has surrendered and pledged itself to the Lord, to serve Him its whole life long in all holiness and obedience of His holy gospel. May the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ grant this to you and to it, Amen.
You beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, since you have taken responsibility for this child, remember that our God is a true God, and desires that we serve Him in truth. And therefore you, friends and relatives, but especially father and godparents, should use all diligence, that this child may be brought up in the true knowledge and fear of God, according to the articles of the Christian faith, and the doctrine which is revealed by God from heaven, and is contained in the Old and New Testaments, to the Lord Christ, and when it comes to understanding, admonish it, that by receiving this divine sign of the covenant and seal of holy baptism, it has publicly, before the face of God, His holy angels, and the Christian congregation, renounced the devil and the world with all their works and lusts, and has surrendered and obligated itself to the Lord, to serve Him its whole life long in all holiness and obedience to His holy gospel. This may the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ grant to you and to it. Amen.
The Lord’s Supper shall be held in the towns at least every month, and in the villages every two months, and on both occasions on Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas. However, if the edification or custom and need of the church should require it, it is Christian and right that it happens more often. And when the communion is to be held, it shall always be announced eight days beforehand by the minister to the community of God, with an admonition that the whole community prepare itself for it.
The minister should also admonish the parents and heads of households to instruct their children and other young people who wish to come to the Lord’s table for the first time, and to have them report to the minister on the upcoming Saturday or another convenient day, according to the needs of the church, so that they may receive further instruction.
On the Saturday before the communion, the preparation shall be held, that is, a sermon on the right understanding and use of the holy communion, for which the ministers will find guidance in the catechism and in the order of the communion.
At the end of the sermon, the minister shall admonish the people to remain, to hear further instruction, and to make confession of their faith. Thereupon the minister shall first step before the table and admonish any young people present who have not before been to the Lord’s table, that they should present themselves and make confession of their faith. Then the minister shall have those who so present themselves first recite the articles of the Christian faith, the ten commandments, and the Lord’s prayer, and thereafter question them from the catechism about the communion. But since some, out of shyness, might not recite such pieces in an orderly fashion word for word, yet are otherwise not at fault, they shall be reminded by the minister of the most important articles of the Christian faith and, after a known confession, be admitted with the community to the Lord’s supper.
After the examination is completed, the minister shall present the following examination and confession in the form of a question to the people.
(No introductory remarks)
Since the word of God presents these three parts to us—first our sins, second our redemption, and third the thankfulness which we owe to God for it—let everyone set before his eyes the sum of God’s commandments, namely: "You shall love God with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself" [Luke 10:27]. In this, the will of God is held before us. In contrast, since we have never kept any part of it, our sins and misery, and finally also eternal damnation, are presented to us as in a mirror.
Therefore, I ask you first: Do you, with me, confess this before the face of God and are therefore displeased with yourselves and thirst for the righteousness and grace of Jesus Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Second, do you also believe that God is not only merciful but also just, who will not leave sin unpunished, and (since no creature could have borne such punishment for us) that the only Son of God, out of the Father’s mercy, was sent into this world, took on human body and soul, so that in it He might bear on our flesh and blood the punishment and wrath of God that we had deserved? And do you believe that, according to the certain promise of the gospel, this perfect payment of the Son of God for our sin is given as a gift to each one individually who accepts it with heartfelt trust, and that each one has forgiveness of his sins for himself as certainly as if he had never committed nor had any sin? And that he is also henceforth held before God as so righteous and holy as if he himself had fulfilled all the righteousness that Jesus Christ, his savior, fulfilled for him, which was given to him out of grace without any of his merit, although he is unworthy of it and there is still much weakness in him—for all of that is covered by the suffering and obedience of Jesus Christ, until it is finally taken away completely?
Furthermore, do you believe that Christ also confirms to each one among you individually this redemption, which He once promised and gave to you in holy baptism, now again with His holy communion as with certain letters and seals through the working of the Holy Spirit in his heart? First, that His body was as certainly offered for him on the cross and His blood shed for him as he sees with his eyes that the bread which the Lord calls His body is broken and the cup of thanksgiving is shared with him. And second, that the Lord Christ Himself feeds and refreshes his hungry and shattered heart and weary soul with His crucified body and shed blood through the working of the Holy Spirit as certainly unto eternal life as he receives from the hand of the minister and eats and drinks with his mouth of the holy bread and cup of the Lord in His remembrance? And that therefore the suffering and death of Christ is as certainly his own as if he himself had suffered everything in his own body that the Lord suffered on His blessed body for him, for which comfort the Lord Jesus instituted His holy communion in His remembrance, so that we may keep it with heartfelt thanksgiving and joy until He comes in the clouds and completely redeems us from the cross that we must patiently bear in this vale of tears, and takes us into the eternal kingdom of His Father with body and soul.
Is this your faith?
Answer: Yes.
Third, let each one also examine his heart, whether he also desires to show himself thankful to the Lord Christ his whole life long, whether he has renounced all envy, hatred, and bitterness from his heart and has forgiven his neighbor, as the Lord Jesus has forgiven us poor sinners many thousands of times more, and whether he is also so hostile from his heart to all cursing, unchaste words and works, gluttony and drunkenness, and other sins, that he is firmly resolved before the face of the Lord to no longer do them for the rest of his life.
Answer: Yes.
All who now find this in their hearts should not doubt that they already have forgiveness of all their sins through the holy suffering and death of Christ and will certainly keep it, as long as they persevere in this resolve, notwithstanding that much weakness still remains in them, which, however, is covered by the same suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Thereupon, let each one who desires this from his heart say: Amen.
Let the congregation kneel and pray as the Lord has taught us:
Our Father etc. [Matt. 6:9-13].
After the prayer, the minister shall speak:
The God of peace sanctify you wholly, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." Amen. [1 Thess. 5:23-24].
And if anyone has a private concern about which he would like to speak with his minister, this should be granted to him without delay.
Since the Word of God sets before us these three things: First, our sins. Second, our redemption. Third, the gratitude which we owe to God in return, so let everyone set before his eyes the summary of the commandments of God, namely: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself; in which the will of God is presented to us. On the other hand, since we have never kept any of these things, our sin and misery, and finally also eternal damnation, are presented to us as in a mirror.
Therefore I ask you first: Do you confess this with me before the face of God, and are you therefore displeased with yourselves, and do you thirst for the righteousness and grace of Jesus Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Second, do you also believe that God is not only merciful, but also just, who will not let sin go unpunished, and (since no creature could have borne such punishment for us) that the only Son of God was sent into this world out of the mercy of the Father, took upon Himself a true human body and soul, that He might bear in our own flesh and blood the punishment and wrath of God, which we had deserved, for us, and that, according to the certain promise of the gospel, this perfect payment of the Son of God for our sins is given to each one in particular, who accepts it with heartfelt trust, as his own, and that each one has for himself forgiveness of his sins, as surely as if he had never committed nor had any sin? And will henceforth be held before God as just and holy as if he himself had fulfilled all righteousness which Jesus Christ his Savior accomplished for him, and has given him without any merit of his own, out of grace, regardless of the fact that he is unworthy of all of it, and that many weaknesses are still in him, yet all of them are covered with the suffering and obedience of Jesus Christ, until they are finally taken away altogether.
Furthermore, that Christ also now again confirms to each one of you in particular this redemption, which He once promised and gave to him in holy baptism, with His holy supper, as with certain letters and seals, through the working of the Holy Spirit, in his heart thus: First, that His body was as surely offered for him on the cross, and His blood shed for him, as he sees with his eyes that the bread, which the Lord calls His body, is broken for him, and the cup of thanksgiving is shared with him. And second, that the Lord Christ Himself feeds and gives to drink his hungry and contrite heart and weary soul, through the working of the Holy Spirit, with His crucified body and shed blood, as surely to eternal life, as he receives from the hand of the minister and eats and drinks with his mouth of the holy bread and cup of the Lord in remembrance of Him. And that therefore the suffering and death of Christ is as surely his own, as if he himself in his own body had suffered everything that the Lord suffered for him in His blessed body; for the sake of this comfort the Lord Jesus instituted His holy supper in His remembrance, that we should keep it with heartfelt thanksgiving and joy, until He comes in the clouds, and completely delivers us from the cross, which we in this vale of tears should patiently bear after Him, and take us to Himself in the eternal kingdom of His Father with body and soul.
Is this your faith?
Answer: Yes.
Thirdly, let everyone also examine his heart, whether he also desires to show himself grateful to the Lord Christ his whole life long. Whether he also has renounced all envy, hatred, and bitterness from his heart, and has forgiven his neighbor, as also the Lord Jesus has forgiven us poor sinners many thousands of times more. Whether he also is so hostile from the heart to all cursing, unchaste words and works, gluttony and drunkenness, and other sins, that he firmly resolves here before the face of the Lord, by God's grace, not to do them anymore for the rest of his life.
Is this your Christian purpose?
Answer: Yes.
All those who now find this in their hearts should not doubt that they already have forgiveness of all their sins through the holy passion and death of Christ, and will surely retain it, as long as they persevere in this purpose, regardless of the fact that many remaining weaknesses are in them, which, however, are covered with the same passion and death of Jesus Christ. To this, let everyone who desires this from the heart say, Amen.
Kneel down, and pray as the Lord has taught us.
Our Father, etc.
After the prayer, the minister shall say:
May the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.
Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, hear the words of the institution of the holy communion of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the holy apostle Paul describes to us in the first epistle to the Corinthians in the 11th chapter [23-29]:
"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, 'Take, eat: this is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.' After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, 'This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."
So that we may now hold the Lord’s communion to our comfort, it is necessary for us above all things that we first examine ourselves rightly, and second, that we direct it to that for which the Lord Christ has ordained it, namely, for His remembrance.
You beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, hear the words of the institution of the holy supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the holy apostle Paul describes to us in the first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 11.
I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you: That the Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup after the supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Whoever, therefore, eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For whoever eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Now, that we may celebrate the Lord's Supper to our comfort, it is necessary for us, above all things, that we first examine ourselves rightly. Second, that we direct it to the purpose for which the Lord Christ ordained it, namely, in remembrance of Him.
The true examination of ourselves consists in these three parts:
First, let each one consider his sin and damnation by himself, so that he may be displeased with himself and humble himself before God, since the wrath of God against sin is so great that He let it not go unpunished, but punished it on His dear son Jesus Christ with the bitter and shameful death of the cross.
Second, let each one examine his heart, whether he also believes this certain promise of God, that all his sins are forgiven him only for the sake of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and the perfect righteousness of Christ is imputed and given to him as his own, as if he himself in his own person had paid for all his sins and fulfilled all righteousness.
Third, let each one examine his conscience, whether he is also minded to show himself thankful to God, the Lord, his whole life long and to walk uprightly before the face of God, whether he also, without any hypocrisy, renounces all enmity, envy, and hatred from his heart and has a serious resolve to live henceforth in true love and unity with his neighbor.
Those who are now so minded, God will certainly receive in grace and recognize as worthy table companions of His Son Jesus Christ.
The true examination of ourselves consists in these three things:
First, let everyone consider by himself his sin and accursedness, that he may be displeased with himself, and humble himself before God, since the wrath of God against sin is so great that He punished it, rather than let it go unpunished, in His dear Son Jesus Christ with the bitter and shameful death of the cross.
Second, let everyone search his heart, whether he also believes this certain promise of God, that all his sins are forgiven him solely for the sake of the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and the perfect righteousness of Christ is imputed and given to him as his own, as if he himself in his own person had paid for all his sins, and had fulfilled all righteousness.
Third, let everyone search his conscience, whether he is also minded henceforth to show himself grateful to the Lord God with his whole life, and to walk uprightly before the face of God. Whether he also, without hypocrisy, renounces all enmity, envy, and hatred from the heart, and has a firm purpose to live hereafter in true love and unity with his neighbors.
Those who are so minded, God will surely receive in grace, and acknowledge as worthy table companions of His Son Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, we, according to the command of Christ and the apostle Paul, admonish all who know themselves to be afflicted with the following vices to abstain from the table of the Lord and announce to them that they have no part in the kingdom of Christ. These are all idolaters; all who call upon deceased saints, angels, or other creatures; who venerate images; all sorcerers and soothsayers who bless cattle and people and other things, and who believe in such blessings; all despisers of God and His word and the holy sacraments; all slanderers; all who desire to stir up division and mutiny in church and worldly government; all perjurers; all who are disobedient to their parents and authorities; all murderers, brawlers, haters who live in envy and hatred against their neighbor; all adulterers, fornicators, drunkards, thieves, usurers, robbers, gamblers, the greedy, and all who lead an offensive life. All these, as long as they persist in such vices, should remember and abstain from this meal, which Christ has ordained for His believers alone, lest their judgment and damnation become heavier.
This, however, is not held before us, dear Christians, to make the bruised hearts of the believers timid, as if no one could go to the Lord's supper except those who are without sin. For we do not come to this communion to testify that we are perfect and righteous in ourselves, but on the contrary, because we seek our life outside of ourselves in Jesus Christ, we confess that we lie in the midst of death. Therefore, although we still find many defects and miseries in us, such as that we do not have a perfect faith, that we do not commit ourselves to serving God with such zeal as we are obligated to do, but daily have to struggle with the weakness of our faith and the evil lusts of our flesh, nevertheless, because through the grace of the Holy Spirit such things are a sorrow to our hearts and it is our desire to fight against our unbelief and to live according to all the commandments of God, we should be certain and sure that no sin or weakness that still remains in us against our will can hinder God from accepting us in grace and thus making us worthy and partakers of this heavenly meal and drink.
Second, let us now also consider for what purpose the Lord has instituted His communion, namely, that we do this in remembrance of Him.
But on the other hand, those who do not feel this testimony in their hearts, eat and drink judgment to themselves. Therefore, according to the command of Christ and the apostle Paul, we also admonish all who know themselves to be defiled with the following vices from the table of the Lord, and proclaim to them that they have no part in the kingdom of Christ, such as all idolaters, all who call upon deceased saints, angels, or other creatures, who venerate images, all sorcerers and soothsayers, who bless cattle and people along with other things, and who give credence to such blessings, all despisers of God and His Word and the holy sacraments, all blasphemers, all who desire to cause schism and mutiny in church and worldly government, all perjurers, all who are disobedient to their parents and authorities, all murderers, brawlers, quarrelers, who live in envy and hatred against their neighbor, all adulterers, fornicators, drunkards, thieves, usurers, robbers, gamblers, misers, and all who lead a scandalous life. All these, as long as they persist in such vices, should remember and abstain from this food, which Christ has ordained only for His believers, lest their judgment and damnation become all the heavier.
But this is not presented to you, dear Christians, to make the contrite hearts of believers fainthearted, as if no one could go to the Lord's Supper except those who are without any sin. For we do not come to this supper to testify that we are perfect and righteous in ourselves, but on the contrary, because we seek our life outside of ourselves in Christ, we confess that we lie in the midst of death. Therefore, although we still find many failings and miseries in ourselves, such as that we do not have a perfect faith, that we also do not devote ourselves to serving God with such zeal as we ought to do, but daily have to contend with the weakness of our faith and the evil devices of our flesh, nevertheless, since through the grace of the Holy Spirit such failings are grievous to us from the heart, and we heartily desire to resist our unbelief, and to live according to all the commandments of God, we should be certain and sure that no sin or weakness, which is still left in us against our will, can prevent God from receiving us in grace, and thus making us worthy and partakers of this heavenly food and drink.
Second, let us now also consider for what purpose the Lord has instituted His supper, namely, that we should do this in remembrance of Him.
Thus we should remember this: first, that we trust completely in our hearts that our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the promises made to the patriarchs from the beginning, was sent into this world by the Father, took on our flesh and blood, bore the wrath of God for us, under which we would have had to sink eternally, from the beginning of His incarnation to the end of His life on earth, and fulfilled for us all the obedience of the divine law and righteousness. This was especially so when the burden of our sins and the wrath of God pressed the bloody sweat from Him in the garden, when He was bound, so that He might unbind us, thereafter suffered innumerable insults, so that we might never be put to shame, was innocently condemned to death, so that we might be acquitted before the judgment of God. He had his blessed body nailed to the cross, so that he might nail the record of our sins to it, and thus took the curse from us upon himself, so that he might fill us with his blessing. He humbled himself to the deepest shame and hellish anguish of body and soul on the trunk of the cross, where he cried with a loud voice: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" [Mt. 27:46], so that we would be received by God and never be forsaken by him. Finally, with his death and shed blood he established the new and eternal testament, the covenant of grace and reconciliation, as he said: "It is finished" [John 19:30].
So that we might firmly believe that we belong to this covenant of grace, the Lord Jesus, in His last communion, took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples and said: "Take and eat, this is my body, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me." Likewise, after the communion, He took the cup, gave thanks and said: "Take and drink all of it, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." That is, as often as you eat of this bread and drink of this cup, you should thereby, as by a certain remembrance and pledge, be reminded and assured of this my heartfelt love and faithfulness towards you, that I give my body to death on the trunk of the cross for you, who otherwise would have had to die the eternal death, and shed my blood, and feed and quench your hungry and thirsty souls with the same my crucified body and shed blood unto eternal life, as certainly as this bread is broken before the eyes of each one and this cup is given to him and you eat and drink them with your mouth in my remembrance.
From this institution of the holy communion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we see that He directs our faith and trust to His perfect sacrifice, once made on the cross, as to the only ground and foundation of our salvation, where He has become the true food and drink of eternal life for our hungry and thirsty souls. For through His death He has taken away the cause of our eternal hunger and ruin, namely sin, and has earned for us the life-giving spirit, so that through the same spirit, who dwells in Christ as the head and in us as His members, we might have true fellowship with Him and all His goods, eternal life, righteousness, and glory.
Thereafter, that we also through the same spirit may be united with one another as members of one body in true brotherly love, as the holy apostle says: "For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread" [1 Cor. 10:17]. For just as one meal is ground from many grains and one bread is baked, and one wine and drink flows from many berries pressed together and mixes, so shall we all, who are incorporated into Christ by true faith, be one body for the sake of brotherly love for Christ, our beloved savior, who loved us so much before, and prove this not only with words, but with the deed towards one another. May the almighty, merciful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ help us in this through His Holy Spirit, Amen.
Thus we should remember Him thereby: First, that we trust completely in our hearts that our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the promise which was made to the patriarchs from the beginning, was sent from the Father into this world, took upon Himself our flesh and blood, bore the wrath of God, under which we would have had to sink forever, for us from the beginning of His incarnation to the end of His life on earth, and fulfilled all the obedience of the divine law and righteousness for us, especially when the burden of our sins and the wrath of God pressed out the bloody sweat in the garden, then He was bound, that He might unbind us, afterwards suffered innumerable reproaches, that we might never be put to shame, was innocently condemned to death, that we might be acquitted before the judgment of God, yea, had His blessed body nailed to the cross, that He might nail the handwriting of our sins to it, and thus took the curse from us upon Himself, that He might fill us with His blessing, and humbled Himself to the deepest shame and hellish anguish of body and soul on the tree of the cross, when He cried with a loud voice: My God! my God! why have you forsaken me? That we might be taken to God and never be forsaken by Him. Finally, with His death and bloodshed, He sealed the new and eternal testament, the covenant of grace and reconciliation, as He said: It is finished!
But that we may firmly believe that we belong to this covenant of grace, the Lord Jesus, in His last supper, took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples, and said: Take and eat, this is my body, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, and said: Take and drink all of it, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. That is, as often as you eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, you should thereby, as by a certain memorial and pledge, be reminded and assured of this my heartfelt love and faithfulness towards you, that I, for you, who otherwise would have had to die the eternal death, give my body to death on the tree of the cross, and shed my blood, and feed and give drink to your hungry and thirsty souls with this same my crucified body, and shed blood, to eternal life, as surely as this bread is broken for each one before his eyes, and this cup is given to him, and you eat and drink the same with your mouth in remembrance of me.
From this institution of the holy supper of our Lord Jesus Christ we see that He points our faith and trust to His perfect sacrifice, once made on the cross, as to the only ground and foundation of our salvation, where He became the true food and drink of eternal life for our hungry and thirsty souls. For by His death He has taken away the cause of our eternal hunger and sorrow, namely sin, and has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit, that through the same Spirit who dwells in Christ as the head, and in us, as His members, we might have true communion with Him, and become partakers of all His goods, eternal life, righteousness, and glory.
Afterwards, that we also, through the same Spirit, might be united with one another, as members of one body, in true brotherly love, as the holy apostle says: There is one bread, so we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. For as from many grains one flour is ground, and one bread is baked, and from many berries pressed together, one wine and drink flows, and they mingle with one another: so we all, who are incorporated into Christ by true faith, should, through brotherly love for Christ's sake, our dear Savior, who loved us so highly before, all be one body, and prove this not only with words, but with deeds towards one another. May the almighty, merciful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ help us to this, through His Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Merciful God and Father, we pray to you that in this communion, in which we celebrate the glorious remembrance of the bitter death of your dear son Jesus Christ, you would work in our hearts through your Holy Spirit, so that we may with true confidence surrender ourselves more and more to your son Jesus Christ, so that our weary and shattered hearts may be fed and refreshed with his true body and blood, yes with him, true God and man, the only heavenly bread, through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we no longer live in our sins, but he in us and we in him, and thus truly partake of the new and eternal testament and covenant of grace, so that we may not doubt that you will be our gracious father eternally, will never count our sins against us, and will provide for us in all things of body and soul, as your dear children and heirs. Grant us also your grace, that we may with comfort take up our cross, deny ourselves, confess our savior, and in all tribulation with uplifted head await our Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, when he will make our mortal bodies like unto his glorious body and will take us to himself in eternity, Amen.
Our Father etc. [Mt. 6:9-13]
Let us pray.
Merciful God and Father, we pray you that in this supper, in which we celebrate the glorious memory of the bitter death of your dear Son Jesus Christ, you would work in our hearts through your Holy Spirit, that we may surrender ourselves with true trust more and more to your Son Jesus Christ, so that our weary and contrite hearts may be fed and refreshed with His true body and blood, yea, with Him, true God and man, the eternal bread of heaven, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may no longer live in our sins, but He in us, and we in Him; and may truly be partakers of the new and eternal testament and covenant of grace, so that we may not doubt that you will eternally be our gracious Father, never impute our sins to us, and provide for us in everything, body and soul, as your dear children and heirs. Grant us also your grace, that we may confidently take our cross upon us, deny ourselves, confess our Savior, and in all tribulation with uplifted head await our Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, who will make our mortal bodies like His glorified, glorious body, and will take us to Himself in eternity. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
Will you also strengthen us through this holy communion in the common, undoubted Christian faith, of which we make confession with mouth and heart, saying:
I believe in God etc.
Would you also strengthen us through this holy supper in the general, undoubted Christian faith, of which we make confession with mouth and heart, saying:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, descended into hell, on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the almighty Father, from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, a holy general Christian church, the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the flesh, and an eternal life.
So that we may now be fed with the true heavenly bread, Christ, let us not fix our hearts on the external bread and wine, but lift our hearts and faith up to heaven, where Christ Jesus is, our intercessor at the right hand of his heavenly Father, to which the articles of our Christian faith also point us. And let us not doubt that we are as truly fed and refreshed in our souls with his body and blood through the working of the Holy Spirit as we receive the holy bread and drink in remembrance of him.
Here the minister shall break a piece of the Lord's bread for each one and give it to them, saying:
The bread that we break is the communion of the body of Christ.
And the other minister, in giving the cup, shall say:
The cup of thanksgiving, for which we give thanks, is the communion of the blood of Christ.
During this, depending on the number of communicants and the custom of each church, psalms shall be sung or some chapters useful for the remembrance of Christ's death shall be read, such as the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th of John, and Isaiah 53, and other appropriate texts.
Now, that we may be fed with the true bread of heaven, Christ, let us not cling with our hearts to the outward bread and wine, but lift up our hearts and faith to heaven, where Christ Jesus is our advocate at the right hand of His heavenly Father, to which also the articles of our Christian faith point us, and not doubt that we are as truly fed and given to drink in our souls with His body and blood through the working of the Holy Spirit, as we receive the holy bread and drink in remembrance of Him.
Here the minister shall break a piece of the Lord's bread for each one, and hand it to him, saying:
The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.
And the other minister shall hand him the cup, saying:
The cup of thanksgiving, with which we give thanks, is the communion of the blood of Christ.
Meanwhile, according to the size of the crowd of communicants, and also according to the shape of each church, during the communion either a hymn shall be sung, or several chapters, suitable for the remembrance of the death of Christ, such as the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th of John, and the 53rd of Isaiah, shall be read; and in this may be used whatever is most suitable and edifying for each church.
After the communion is finished, the minister shall speak:
You beloved in the Lord, since the Lord has now fed our souls at his table, let us praise his name together with thanksgiving and let each one speak thus in his heart:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" [Ps. 103:1-4, 8, 10-13]. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" [Rom. 8:32]. "Hereby God demonstrates His love toward us, in that Christ died for us, while we were still sinners. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" [Rom. 5:8-10]. Therefore my mouth and heart shall proclaim the praise of the Lord from now until eternity, Amen.
Or thus:
Almighty, merciful God and Father, we thank you with all our hearts that out of bottomless mercy you have given us your only-begotten son as a mediator and sacrifice for our sins and as food and drink for eternal life, and you give us true faith, through which we become partakers of your good deeds. You have also, for the strengthening of the same, allowed your dear son Jesus Christ to institute his holy communion. We pray to you, faithful God and Father, that you would, through the working of your Spirit, allow this remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ and the proclamation of his death to flourish in us daily in true faith and the blessed community of Christ, through the same your dear son Jesus Christ, Amen.
After the communion is finished, the minister shall say:
You beloved in the Lord, since now the Lord has fed our souls at His table, let us all together praise His name with thanksgiving, and let each one say in his heart thus:
Praise the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy name; Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not what good He has done for you: Who forgives you all your sins, and heals all your diseases: Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with grace and mercy. The Lord is merciful, patient, and of great goodness: He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquity: For as high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is His grace toward those who fear Him: As far as the rising of the sun is from its setting, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him, who also did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, and with Him gave us everything. Therefore God demonstrates His love toward us, in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, so we will much more be saved by Him from wrath, now that we have been justified by His blood. For if we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son when we were still enemies, much more will we be saved through His life, now that we are reconciled to Him. Therefore my mouth and heart shall proclaim the praise of the Lord from now until eternity. Amen.
Or thus:
Almighty, merciful God and Father, we thank you with all our hearts, that out of boundless mercy, you have given us your only-begotten Son as a mediator and sacrifice for our sins, and as food and drink of eternal life, and you give us true faith, through which we become partakers of such your benefits, and you have also, for the strengthening of the same, instituted for your dear Son Jesus Christ His holy supper. We pray you, faithful God and Father, that you would, through the working of your Spirit, cause this remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the proclamation of His death, to lead to a daily increase in true faith, and in the blessed communion of Christ. Through the same your dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Since God, the Lord, in the beginning in paradise itself brought his consort, Eve, to Adam and gave her to him, it is fitting that the new couple be led into the church before the Christian community, so that they and others who are already in the state of matrimony may be admonished by the ministers from God's word concerning their calling, and also to peacefulness and patience in their state, and the whole congregation may call upon God with them for his blessing over them.
But the announcement and induction of the new couple shall take place according to the following order.
First, the people shall be admonished and held to this: that those who have betrothed themselves to each other shall, together with several witnesses from both sides, come to the pastor a good time before they go to the church and announce it to him, so that he may inquire whether such people may, according to divine and natural law, live together in marriage without any hindrance, and that they may not today be joined together out of ignorance, who must thereafter be separated with shame and scandal. Therefore, henceforth, every couple in cities and towns shall be announced three times, and on three Sundays, in a church when the community is gathered, publicly and thus proclaimed.
(no introductory material)
N. and N. wish, according to God's ordinance, to enter into the holy state of matrimony. They desire a common Christian prayer for this, that they may begin this Christian, married state in God's name and complete it blessedly to God's praise. And if anyone has anything to say against it, let him show it in good time or else be silent and refrain from raising any hindrance against it. May God give them his blessing, Amen.
The names of the couple and witnesses shall also be written in a special book, which shall be kept in every church.
When they now come into the church, they shall stand quietly in the front pews until they are called by the pastor. The pastor, however, shall, before the table where the communion is usually held, read to the new couple the following exhortation on the state of matrimony.
Since to the married couple generally much adversity and crosses come on account of sin, so that N. and N., who wish to have your marital duty confirmed before the Christian church in the name of God, may be assured in your hearts of the certain help of God in your cross, hear from God's word how the married state is honorable and an institution of God, which pleases him, for which reason he also will bless the married couple and be with them, but the fornicators and adulterers he will judge and punish.
Since many kinds of adversity and crosses commonly come to married people because of sin, so that you, N. and N., who in God's name wish to have your marriage vows confirmed before the Christian church, may be assured in your hearts of the certain help of God in your cross, hear from God's Word how the married state is honorable, and an institution of God, which pleases Him. Therefore He will also bless married people and stand by them; but fornicators and adulterers He will judge and punish.
And first you shall know that God, our Father, after he had created heaven and earth and all that is in them, created man in his own image and likeness, to be a lord over the animals of the earth, over the fish in the sea, and over the birds of the air. And after he had created the man, he said: "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Then the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept. And God took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" [Gen. 2:19-24]. Therefore you should not doubt that the married state pleases God, the Lord, since he created Adam's consort and brought and gave her to him as a wife, to testify that he, to this day, brings to each one his wife as if with his own hand. For this reason, the Lord Jesus Christ also so highly honored the married state with his presence, gift, and miracle at Cana in Galilee, to testify that the married state should be held in honor by all, and that he will always show his help and assistance to the married couple, even when they least expect it.
So that you may live a godly life in this state, you should know the reasons for which God has instituted the married state.
The first reason is that one may faithfully help and assist the other in all things that pertain to temporal and eternal life.
The second, that after they have received heirs of their body, they may raise them in the true knowledge of God to his honor.
The third, that each one may avoid all unchastity and evil lusts and thus live with a good, quiet conscience. For "to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." So that all who come to their years and do not have the gift of chastity are, according to the command of God, obligated and bound to enter into the state of matrimony according to Christian order with the will and knowledge of their parents or guardians and friends, so that the temple of God, that is, our body, may not be defiled. For "if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy."
And first you should know that God our Father, after He had created heaven and earth, and all that is in them, created man in His own image and likeness, who was a lord over the beasts on earth, over the fish in the sea, and over the birds of the air. And after He had created the man, He said: It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. Then the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept; and God took one of his ribs, and closed up the place with flesh. And the Lord God created a woman from the rib that He had taken from the man, and brought her to him. Then the man said: This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called after the man, because she was taken from the man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh.
Therefore you should not doubt that the married state pleases the Lord God, since He created Adam's spouse and brought her to him Himself, and gave her as a spouse, thereby testifying that even today He brings to each one his spouse, as if with His own hand. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ also so highly honored the married state with His presence, gift, and miracle at Cana in Galilee, thereby showing that the married state should be held in honor by all, and that He will always show His help and assistance to married people, even when they least expect it.
Now, that you may live godly in this state, you should know the reasons for which God has instituted the married state:
The first reason is that one may faithfully help and assist the other in all things that pertain to temporal and eternal life.
The second, that after they have heirs of the body, they may bring them up in the true knowledge of God to His honor.
The third, that each one may avoid all unchastity and evil desires, and thus may live with a good, quiet conscience. For to avoid fornication, every man should have his own wife, and every woman her own husband, so that all who come to their years, and do not have the gift of chastity, are, according to the command of God, obligated and bound to enter into the state of matrimony, according to Christian order, with the foreknowledge and will of their parents or guardians and friends, so that the temple of God, that is, our body, may not be defiled. For if anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him.
Furthermore, you should also know how one is to conduct oneself toward the other according to God's word.
First, you, the man, should know that God has appointed you as the head of the wife, so that you may lead, instruct, comfort, and protect her according to your ability with reason, just as the head governs the body, yes, just as Christ is the head, wisdom, comfort, and assistance of his community. Besides this, you shall love your wife as your own body, just as Christ loved his community, you shall not be bitter against her, but dwell with her with understanding, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered [Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7]. And since the command of God is that man shall eat his bread in the sweat of his brow [Gen. 3:19], you shall work faithfully and diligently in your godly calling, so that you may support your household with God and honor and also have something to give to the needy.
On the other hand, you, the wife, should know how you are to conduct yourself toward your husband according to the word of God. You shall love, honor, and fear your husband, and also be obedient to him in all reasonable things as to your lord, just as the body is subject to the head and the community to Christ. You shall not rule over your husband, but be quiet. For Adam was first formed, then Eve as a help meet for Adam. And after the fall, God spoke to Eve and in her person to the whole female sex: "Your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you" [Gen. 3:16]. You shall not resist this ordinance of God, but rather follow the command of God and the example of the holy women, who trusted in God and were subject to their husbands, just as Sarah was obedient to her householder Abraham and called him lord [1 Pet. 3:5-6]. You shall also be helpful to your husband in all good things, take good care of your children and household, walk in all chastity and honor without worldly pomp, so that you may give others a good example of chastity.
Afterwards, you should know how one is obligated to behave towards the other according to God's Word:
First, you, the man, should know that God has set you as the head of the wife, that you may guide, instruct, comfort, and protect her according to your ability, just as the head governs the body, yea, just as Christ is the head, wisdom, comfort, and assistance of His congregation. Above all, you should love your wife as your own body, just as Christ loved His congregation. You should not be bitter against her, but dwell with her with understanding, and give honor to the female, as to the weaker vessel, as also co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayer may not be hindered. And since the command of God is that the man should eat his bread in the sweat of his face, so you should work faithfully and diligently in your divine calling, so that you may nourish your household with God and honor, and also have something to share with the needy.
In turn, you, the wife, should know how you should behave towards your husband according to the Word of God: You should love, honor, and fear your husband, and also be obedient to him in all reasonable things, as your lord, just as the body is subject to the head and the congregation to Christ. You should not rule over your husband, but be silent. For Adam was made first, then Eve, as a helper to Adam. And after the fall, God said to Eve, and in her person to the entire female sex: Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall be your lord. You should not resist this order of God, but rather follow the command of God and the example of the holy women, who trusted in God, and were subject to their husbands, just as Sarah was obedient to her master Abraham, and called him her lord. You should also be helpful to your husband in all good things, take good care of your children and household, walk in all modesty and honor, without worldly pomp, so that you may give others a good example of modesty.
Therefore you, N. and N., since you have acknowledged how God has instituted the married state and what is commanded you by God, are you willing to live in the holy state of matrimony as you here testify before the Christian community and desire that your married state should be confirmed?
Answer: Yes.
Then the minister shall speak:
I take all of you who are here as witnesses, yet if anyone knew that this one is bound by marital duty to another person or that some other hindrance were present, let him now declare it.
If no one objects, the minister shall proceed thus:
Since no one objects and no hindrance is present, may our dear Lord God confirm your holy undertaking, which he has given you, and may your beginning be in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Then the minister shall speak to the bridegroom:
You, N., do you here before God and his holy community acknowledge that you have taken and do take N., here present, to be your wedded wife, and do you promise never to forsake her, to love her and to provide for her faithfully, as a faithful and God-fearing man is obligated to his wife, that you will also live with her in holiness, keeping your faith and trust in all things according to the word of God and his holy gospel?
Answer: Yes.
Then the minister shall speak to the bride thus:
You, N., do you here before God and his holy community acknowledge that you have taken and do take N. to be your wedded husband, whom you promise to obey, to serve and to help him, never to forsake him, to live with him in holiness, to keep your faith and trust in all things, as a pious and faithful wife is obligated to her husband according to the word of God and his holy gospel?
Answer: Yes.
Therefore you N. and N., since you have recognized how God has instituted the married state, and what is commanded you by God, are you then willing to live in the holy state of matrimony as you here testify before the Christian congregation and desire that your same married state should be confirmed?
Answer: Yes.
Then the minister shall say:
I take all of you who are here as witnesses; however, if anyone knows that this one is bound by matrimonial duty to another person, or if any other impediment exists, let him now declare it.
If no one objects, the minister shall continue thus:
Since no one objects, and no impediment exists, may our dear Lord God confirm your holy intention, which He has given you, and may your beginning be in the name of the Lord, who created heaven and earth.
Afterwards, the minister shall speak to the bridegroom:
You N. confess before God and His holy congregation that you have taken, and do take, as your wedded wife and spouse N., who is present, and promise never to forsake her, to love her, and to nourish her faithfully, as a faithful and God-fearing man is obligated to his wife. That you will also live holy with her, keep faith and trust with her in all things according to the Word of God and His holy gospel.
Answer: Yes.
Afterwards, the minister shall speak to the bride:
You N. confess here before God and His holy congregation that you have taken, and do take, N. as your wedded husband, to whom you promise to be obedient, and to serve and help him, never to forsake him, to live holy with him, to keep faith and trust with him in all things, as a pious and faithful wife is obligated to do to her wedded husband, according to the Word of God and His holy gospel.
Answer: Yes.
Then the minister shall join their hands and speak:
The Father of mercy, who through his grace has called you to this holy state of matrimony, bind you with true love and faithfulness and give you his blessing, Amen.
If they have rings, they may give them to each other.
Hear now the holy gospel, how strong this marital bond is, as the holy evangelist Matthew describes it in the 19th chapter [3-9]:
"The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, 'Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?' And he answered and said unto them, 'Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?' [Gen. 2:24] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, 'Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?' He saith unto them, 'Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.'"
Believe these words of the Lord Christ and be assured and certain of them, that our dear Lord God has joined you together in this holy married state, and therefore receive everything that befalls you in this married state with patience and thanksgiving as from the hand of God, who has joined you together, Amen.
Afterwards, the minister shall join their hands together, and say:
The Father of mercy, who has called you by His grace to this holy state of matrimony, bind you with true love and faithfulness, and give you His blessing. Amen.
Now hear the holy gospel, how strong this matrimonial bond is, as the holy evangelist Matthew describes it in the 19th chapter.
The Pharisees came to the Lord Jesus, tempting Him, and said to Him: Is it also right that a man should divorce his wife for any reason? He answered and said: Have you not read that He who created man in the beginning, made them male and female? And said: Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. They said: Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorce, and to divorce her? He said: Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts, but from the beginning it was not so. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (except for fornication) and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries the divorced woman, also commits adultery.
Believe these words of the Lord Christ, and be assured and certain that our dear Lord God has joined you together in this holy state of matrimony, and therefore accept all that befalls you in this married state with patience and thanksgiving, as from the hand of God, who has joined you together. Amen.
After this, the minister shall bid the couple to kneel and shall speak:
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who show your goodness and wisdom in all your creatures and ordinances, and from the beginning have said that it is not good that the man should be alone, and therefore have created a help meet for him, who should be with him [Gen. 2:18], and have ordained that two shall be one flesh [Gen. 2:24], and you punish all impurity, we pray to you that, since you have called and united these two persons in the holy state of matrimony, you would give them your Holy Spirit, so that they may live in true and firm faith in holiness according to your divine will, to resist all evil. Would you also bless them, as you have blessed the believing fathers and your friends and faithful servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so that they, as co-heirs of the covenant established with those fathers, may have holy children and raise them in godliness to the honor of your holy name and for the benefit of their neighbor and the spread of your holy gospel. Hear us, O Father of all mercy, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, our Lord, Amen.
Our Father etc. [Matt. 6:9-13]
Hear the promise of God from the 128th Psalm:
Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
May our dear Lord God fill you with his graces and grant that you may live together long and in all goodness and holiness, Amen.
After this, the minister shall bid the married couple to kneel, and say:
Let us pray:
Almighty God, who shows your goodness and wisdom in all your creatures and ordinances, and from the beginning said that it is not good for man to be alone, and therefore created for him a helper who would be with him, and ordained that two should be one, and also punishes all impurity: We pray you that, since you have called and joined these two persons to the holy state of matrimony, you would give them your Holy Spirit, that they may live holy in true and firm faith, according to your divine will, to resist all evil. Would you also bless them, as you blessed the believing fathers and your friends and faithful servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that they, as co-heirs of the covenant established with those fathers, may have holy children, and bring them up godly, to the honor of your holy name, and to the advancement of their neighbor, and the extension of your holy gospel. Hear us, O Father of all mercy! through Jesus Christ your dear Son our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
Hear the promise of God from the 128th Psalm.
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord, and walks in His ways. You will eat the labor of your hands; blessed are you, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord will bless you from Zion, that you may see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.
Our dear Lord God fill you with His grace, and grant that you may live together long and holy in all goodness. Amen.